- Seller: Mike Y
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 69,800 Shown
- Chassis #: GHD5UB253424.G
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.8-Liter 4-Cylinder
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Something strange is happening as I write this: I’m feeling a strong urge to buy some driving gloves and a flat cap. It doesn’t get much more British than an MGB with wire wheels; with gorgeous red paint and a tan interior, this GT is ready to drive, and it’s now up for sale as a Barn Finds Exclusive.
We’ve featured a fair number of MGB GTs on Barn Finds, and it seems that few people have anything bad to say about them. Cars can invite various opinions, but the GT is a lovable and practical sports car/grand tourer. It’s rare that a car designed without a steel roof will look so good when one is attached, but the Pininfarina-styled lid harmonizes beautifully with the original and long-lived MGB body. This picture shows why the GT makes good sense as a modern classic: it has plenty of room for luggage, and the closed configuration lends itself to relaxed driving year-round (if salt isn’t a thing where you live).
Under the hood in a very clean engine compartment is the classic B-Series four in 1.8-liter form. With two SU carburetors, the 1800 made just over 90 horsepower and would power an MGB to over 100 mph. The seller says this one starts with a little choke and has 65 pounds of oil pressure.
The interior is beautifully refurbished, with new seat foam, upholstery, carpet, sound deadening, door panels, and weatherstripping. I miss the days when tan/saddle interiors were popular, and it’s the perfect color for a car with red paint. Maybe it’s the Pininfarina influence, but there’s a bit of a Ferrari vibe about the whole thing. The four-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and it’s ready to attack some back roads on a chilly, leafy fall day, with a stop for a cider at a roadside stand somewhere…apologies for the digression.
Finally, it’s all riding on a set of upgraded 15-inch wire wheels, befitting a classic MGB. With new tires, brakes, and rechromed bumpers, there won’t be any fiddling or fussing for the new buyer. The seller mentions that the only flaw is a scratch on the fender, of which he’s included a picture. This must be one of the nicest MGB GTs for sale in America right now, and it’s for sale in the Pittsburgh area as a Barn Finds Exclusive. If you’ve always wanted a British grand tourer with just the right style, here’s your chance.
A nicely redone BGT and I like that the side marker lights were removed. It’s definitely a better looking car without that old federalization stuff. I am doing my 69 BGT the same way also with 15″ wires. The pre 70 BGT’s in my opinion were the best looking of all the GT’s. Remember… that is my opinion only!!! I’m an ‘old schooler’!
Didn’t the ’71 have the big pillow dash (no glove box)?
My ’71 was a great car and could haul my entire college dorm room including two huge stereo speakers. Taught me how to do basic auto maintenance and repair, too.
I have always thought MG started putting armrests on the B cars in 1972. Either that’s why these are a different shade or ? Any MGB experts out there know more about this?
One of my favorite British car designs.
I drove my restored’67 MGBGT as a very practical daily driver from April to November for nearly 20 years. I upgraded my wire wheels to 15 tubeless wires and loved the look and feel.
The Ferrari resemblance was legit. Pinin Farina did the GT roof/windshield design and the rear quarters resembled the Ferrari 250 GT of the time.
One of the more useable classics, and a very nice example at that.
I owned a 70 MGB GT back in the mid 70’s. Pale yellow with wires and a black interior. Very fond memories of that car.
I never had a GT, but always liked them I had a 70, It had the pillow dash I never liked, but then again, I was driving so never paid much attention to the right side. What I did like about the 70 was the one year only split rear bumper, with the license plate moved down. Very clean design.
I’m thinking this is a later 71 version. I have a 71 Roadster that has the pillow dash, no armrests, no glove box, no center dash vents, unlighted heater controls, and a steering wheel with holed spokes. I bought this car in 1973 and it’s still original. Lots of changes in those days!
I still have my ’73 B/GT – purchased in 1986 and it remains my unsalted daily driver. My thought is that the B/GT is about the most useful little car on the planet.
Others have noted some upgrades on this car, including the 62-69 grill and the ’72-76 dashboard. I heartily approve of both! And I love the “biscuit” interior – which I believe is custom, BTW. It is not original nor is it a Moss “replakit”. Other nice touches include the metal aftermarket window cranks
‘Can’t recall the first year of the arm rests. My ’73 has them; my ’69 C/GT does not. I really like everything I see about this car, but could surely use more pictures – particularly of the underside. We do see a very clean gas tank and nicely detailed rear axle, leaf springs and handbrake hardware. Otherwise, were I to add this car to my conglomeration, I would swap out the gearbox for an overdrive one. And I would drive, drive, drive it all the time – everywhere. Oh, wait a minute, that’s already what I do with mine.
Bach, as I posted earlier, the armrests started in 1972, one year after I graduated from high school.
Yes, that looks like a 72 dash to me. Probably the center console and arm rest as well I’m wondering about the 15in wheels. What was done to ensure there isn’t rubbing? We’re the fenders rolled? Otherwise, it looks like a great BGT.
Upgrades to 15” wheels on the MGB are quite common. In fact, the sister MGCs came from the factory with them. No alteration to the fenders, or to anything else, is necessary.
But anything wide will rub on aggressive cornering especially if the rear axle isn’t absolutely centered. I don’t remember exact size, but that is well documented in the mg experience web site or the old mailing lists. The factory had to have done something with the MGC.
Paul,
Several years ago I tried a set of 14X6 wheels on my 73 B/GT. In hard left turns, tire rubbed on LH rear wheel arch. Later on, I tried a set of 15X5.5 wheels; no problem. I also have a ’69 MGC – the rear axle is different but dimensions, suspension and geometry are identical.