MG owners are a hardy bunch, but back in the 1950s, a chorus of buyers was clamoring for a closed car option. In 1956, the MGA coupe finally followed the MGA roadster to market. However, as elegantly styled as it was, the coupe afforded little extra cabin space, and what space it did offer was noisy and stuffy. British Motor Corporation fumbled the ball once again when the MGB was launched in 1962 as a roadster. In a familiar refrain, fans pined for the practicality of a hardtop. So, nine years after its last closed car was made, BMC – having hired Pininfarina to design a coupe – brought forth the MGB GT. This example, for sale here on eBay, is said to be a barn find, rescued from a 25-year slumber somewhere in California. The seller is asking $10,900 or best offer, and the car is now located in Pahrump, Nevada. Thanks, T.J., for finding us this tidy sports car.

While early MGB roadsters received a three-main 1800 cc four-cylinder, the engine was updated to five-main construction in 1965, coinciding with the GT’s launch. These engines generally last longer, though the free-revving three-main can be coaxed to a long life as well. Output drifted down over time; US spec cars in 1970 claimed about 90 hp. By 1970, the four-speed manual had synchros on all gears, and overdrive was an option. Lockheed front disc brakes are paired with rear drums and a dual-circuit master cylinder. This car wears twin SU carburetors; five years down the road, only one lonely Stromberg would perform carburetion duties – thanks to emissions regulations. This example has a new fuel pump, rebuilt brake and clutch hydraulics, new batteries (two six-volts), and new tires. The seller notes that it drives well.

The GT provided roomier quarters than the roadster, including a cargo area and tiny rear bench seat. The back panel of that seat folds down to expand carrying capacity. Golf clubs? No problem, especially if you don’t have a passenger. Groceries, bags of gravel and bark, a dismantled bicycle – all of these have fit comfortably in the rear of my own MGB GT. In fact, I’ve used mine to haul car parts to swap meets. But if you need to pick up that washing machine at Home Depot, better bring the F-series. At first glance, this interior appears tidy, but the driver’s seat is torn, and one of those readily-available plastic covers is installed over the dash. Yes, that e-brake needs adjustment, and it’s missing its plastic cover.

The seller represents this car as a survivor, but it is not. No GT came from the factory with white-painted wires and a stripe. Speaking of the stripe, yes it’s hard to figure out how to angle it. Everyone has an opinion, but mine is that the stripe should have paralleled the driver’s side bonnet gap, or been centered. Laying out your design with pinstriping tape before applying paint affords an opportunity to debate the style for a while.

This car wears a few dents, but is presentable enough for a driver. Considering its overall condition, I think the seller will need to settle for a four-figure number to move this one along. My own GT would be the last car I would ever sell – but I drive mine a lot, have had it for over twenty years, and am emotionally involved in its well-being. An unbiased examination of the market reveals that MGBs are trading hands for less these days, and though the GT sold over 125,000 copies when it was new, it’s not as desirable as the roadster. Would you be tempted to buy this car if its price were lower?