Something happens to us when we see a convertible model with a fixed roof bolted onto it. Years ago, when Mazda teased the purely concept-based 1996 M Coupe, the motoring world lost its mind and begged them to build it (they didn’t.) I own a 2001 BMW Z3 M Coupe, which was basically a concept car that skipped the concept phase and went straight to production; it has a loyal following of borderline obsessive fixed-roof fans. In the same way, the MGB was transformed when the GT model was born, and all these years later, it still looks so, so good. This 1968 MGB GT Listed here on craigslist is described as a “survivor” with “…great patina”, which I interpret to mean unrestored. Do you agree?
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the find, which is listed for $13,440. Now, those words are used frequently to describe classic cars, but this GT doesn’t have the sheen of having been recently restored. The paint isn’t ridiculously shiny (but it looks decent, for sure – maybe an older respray?), the tail lamp lenses don’t appear to be brand-new reproductions, and it hasn’t been slathered with fresh undercoating. There’s also some odd details as well, which simultaneously speak to some of the details being “off”: the aftermarket muffler doesn’t appear to be all that secure and the antenna is missing its mounting base/grommet.
Now, listen – my goal here is to affirm this as being a survivor car, as those are inherently more desirable than a vehicle that has been quickly prepped for sale. The door panels appear to be in great shape, as does the dash, and I’m willing to bed the seats got fresh covers/upholstery a few years ago. Everything shows some use, which is not a bad thing – the question is how long ago was it restored and to what level? Fortunately, being in Washington State hopefully suggests this MGB GT has never been exposed to road salt, and the cosmetics certainly suggest that. Funny thing about the antenna: internet research seems to suggest the location of the antenna and the fender mirror were left up the dealer, so there’s not a ton of consistency to placement.
Under the hood is a 1.8L B-Series inline four which left the factory with twin SU carburetors. Power-wise, the MG made 95 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque when new, which was plenty sporting for the era and for a vehicle of this size. What’s surprising to me is how spotty the market has been for these cars as of late, with several very low activity auctions on the major platforms over the last few months. Given how much parts and specialist support there still is for British models like these, I’m surprised to not see more activity given MGs are one of the best brands for dipping a toe into classic car ownership with. Do you think this GT is a real-deal survivor?
Yes. Nice car here.
Looks to be quite clean and well cared for… If the 34K miles is real that would be rare for a ‘B of this vintage… actually, rare for a ‘B of any vintage. $13,440 is all the money though…
Looks like a really nice BGT. Earlier car, but I think by 1968 it’s a 5 main engine.
The seat does look recovered, but they should have put new foam in as well, looks perished.
I like seeing high prices on Bs, maybe it will drag the price up on mine to make it worth painting.
But this price looks optimistic
IIRC the MGB transitioned to the 5 bearing engine in the ’65 model year. Engine numbers 18GB… and later.
Yes – 5 mains & first year for the all-synchro transmission.
Here’s a picture of my ’67.Great driving cars.
The problem with the MGB, is that you can always buy a Miata for less money, but in far better shape. How do I know this? Because that’s what I did! Unless you really have to own a British car, the Japanese alternatives are so much more reliable, and many of us would rather spend our weekends driving than wrenching in the garage. This is especially true for my son‘s generation. They like the Japanese cars and trucks better, cars like the Acura Integra.
The Miata runs circles around the MGB too. But..there’s something about the sound, the interior and the overall quirkiness of the MG that gives it a soul that the Miata cannot have.
Agree Terry! I had them both and like them equally, however they are two completely different cars! You will alway be wrenching a B and probably never need to on a Miata! The Miata is a better car for those that can’t be bothered with wrenching! The Early B’s just have that musty, leathery British feel that is not for everybody!!
I have both a GT & a Miata.The GT has a real personality –
the Miata,not so much.We take the Miata when we want to
have a little more comfort,but the GT is more fun to drive,&
almost always get waves & “thumbs up” – the Miata,very rarely,
but other Miata drivers wave,honk,or flash their lights,except,of
course the newer Miata drivers who as we all know are better
than the older cars.
Also,you can go out in the garage in the Winter & admire
the styling on the GT,not the Miata.
The British would call this MG a fixed-head coupe. And here is a pretty nice example in my home town to boot. However, to me, part of the allure of having a British sports car is having a rag top for open-air motoring. If I wanted a small British car with a roof I’d find a Morris Minor, Austin America or the like.
It was an odd approach to the market, too, doing this rather than making a Morris Oxford 2-door hardtop based on the 4-door post sedan.
The aftermarket exhaust is indeed hanging low, not uncommon as the rear valance is designed for a single tail pipe. I installed an ANSA exhaust on my 70, but trimmed and rolled the edge to clear the dual tips, and raised it into position. You can also get an upswept design that visually improves the look and alleviates cutting anything.
It was my first car 55 years ago and I’m putting one back together now! The 66,67,68 models to me were the best looking GTs every made. Chrome bumpers and grille, no side markers, steel dashes ( 66,67), red rounded taillights, Knock offs (66,67), no head restraints and clean wire wheels. I’ve had B’s but The GT is a tighter, better looking car! They are still a favorite for that classic roofline and higher windshield!! I don’t think you would call this restored. It looks to be more like ‘refurbished’
Bought our ’65 roadster in the early ’70s to fill in for our 11 mpg Blazer during a huge gas crisis. Great fun going to work every day except when it rained as I had no top for it. To this day I wish the GTs were availble then.
Just guess for lack of interest.
American waistline size is inversely proportional to small car demand.
Barrett Jackson or mecum will never be confused with a health spa based on its live audience.
Richard Thompson – from the album Mirror Blue
I’ve got a little car and she might go far
She’s the mistress of my heart now
She’s a ’65 with an overdrive
I fixed her in every part now
2 in the front and 2 in the back
110 on the old Hog’s Back
She’s my mgb-Gt she’s a runner now
I welded the sills and the old floor pan
Cut the rust with the torch and the hacksaw
Took the Rostyles off, put the spoke wheels on
Got a brand new Salisbury axle
When I drive through town the girls all smile
They say, there’s a man with retro-style
Mgb-Gt she’s a runner now
Lockheed discs and twin sus
Original chrome on the grill now
Looks llike a dream in racing green
Competition’s standing still now
I sprayed her body, I strengthened her frame
I stripped her right down and built her up again
Mgb-Gt she’s a runner now
An Alpine’s fine if you’ve got the time
And a Healey’ll set you back some
Tr4 cost a little bit more
But it don’t have the same attraction
Hard top handy case of the weather
I don’t care if it rains forever
Mgb-Gt
nice car!
I believe all cars sold in the U.S had to have front and rear side marker lights as standard equipment. This car doesn’t have them. Makes me wonder…….
Up to 68 model year, there were none. 69 was the first year of side markers on the B and they were reflectors only
IIRC the ’68 model year MGB did not yet have side marker lights… They appeared in late ’69 production… I’ve read that there were side reflectors for a brief interim, but I don’t believe I’ve seen a car set up that way.
This is one of the best slow cars to drive fast there is! I too have the Z3 coupe Jeff, but would have this for a driver over it. These, although more expensive than ever, are still a steal at this price if not rusty. I’d be counting off the one hundreds for this right now if it wasn’t cross country.