I’ve often viewed MGB-GTs as great little coupes but needing more power. The GT is attractive and surprisingly roomy inside, but that 1798cc four-cylinder has never done it for me (despite my racing one in an Austin Marina). This car has been repowered with a GM 3.4-liter V-6 and T-5 manual transmission, and a lot of debugging has been done since then, leaving what appears to be an attractive grand tourer. It’s listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace and is located in Weld, Maine. The seller has recently reduced the asking price from $17,000 to $11,000, which wouldn’t be completely out of line for a stock MGB-GT in similar condition. Thanks to Richard in Maine for sending us this find!
By 1969, the MGB-GT had been in production for 3 years and had established a niche in the marketplace. Roughly one in four MGBs produced was a GT, but since half of those stayed in the UK, they are scarce on the ground in the USA. An apocryphal story I’ve frequently heard is that the delay in introducing the GT following the roadster’s debut in 1962 was due to the British styling team being unable to craft a pleasing shape using the original (short) MGB roadster windscreen. Once contracted, Pininfarina immediately raised the height of the roof, extending the windscreen up and also improving ingress/egress and the airy feeling once inside-uncommon amongst British sports cars. As you can see from the 1969 brochure above, the 1798 cc 4-cylinder engine delivered 92 horsepower and 110 lbs-ft of torque (and this is before the change from SAE gross HP to SAE net, which dropped that figure considerably). The seller doesn’t give power figures for the Camaro engine, but stock it would have had 160 horsepower and 200 lbs-ft of torque.
The seller has done a significant amount of work on this car besides the drivetrain conversion, which they tell us is from this BMC kit. Recent work completed includes a new fuel tank, a replacement master cylinder and clutch, a new GPS-based gauge (odometer/speedometer), and some suspension work. It’s also had newly upholstered leather Miata seats, new carpet and soundproofing, and a significant amount of rust repair. I guess that last one could be both good and bad, depending on the quality of the work. I wish there were some underhood and undercar pictures to examine as well, and more shots of the interior.
Speaking of the interior, this is the only picture we have, with an aftermarket Mountney steering wheel and that new gauge shining bright. I’m wondering if that is just fogging around the base of the windshield or if it’s delamination; something to check out.
In case you can’t tell, I *really* like this car. I always expected to own an MGB GT at some point, as I really like the styling and practicality (yes, I’m using that word about a British sports car) of the hatchback. But as I wrote earlier, the engine has always turned me off. If I were in the position to add a car to the Palmer fleet, I’d be pursuing this one for sure. How about you? If you buy it, let us know so I can drool over my keyboard some more!
NOTE: Reader Steve R. pointed out in the comments that this car was on Barn Finds before in 2025. I’ve added the link to the left, as there are some different pictures, including an engine shot. Thanks, Steve!
It has come to my attention that the urgings of commenters have “helped” me purchase at least three cars that I’ve written up. I really can’t buy this one right now, so thanks for your efforts in advance, but it’s gonna have to be someone else this time!
Aw Jamie, you’re just making room to rebuild the Maser 3500 GT aren’tcha? This is the type of hybrid machine most of us built before they came up with the formal name and started using motors instead engines.
Nice job, nice car and nice price from all we’re seeing here.
Well, it’s not a Maserati 3500, but it was built at the same time in the same place as the Vignale 3500 convertibles. This is my 1963 Triumph Italia 2000.
That’s beyond cool, Jamie, and another one previously unknown to me. Thank you for sharing that.
That Italia is VERY NICE!
Good to have you back.I used to say “You can never have too-
many cars”,but my Wife strongly disagreed.
Thank you, kind sir! What have you bought lately?
Previously featured on this site on June 3, 2025 by the same seller. At that time it had an asking price of $13,500.
Steve R
Thanks, Steve! I added a link to Jim’s previous posting as there are some different pictures in that one.
Good job Steve R..👏👏
My first car ever was a 67 BGT in 1971. 55 years later I as putting a 69 BGT back together. This one would be my ideal car. Upgraded motor, lug nut wheels, chrome bumpers, red rounded taillights and no side markers! Definitely ( to me) it is the best looking BGT ever! If it is sorted correctly and it is a good runner, this is a bargain at $11K. It’s a driver so buy it with the intention of driving it and not for investment. B’s and GT’s were never investment cars and shouldn’t be. They are drivers so enjoy the reason they were built.
Well Jamie I agree with every said here. I had for a very short time a MGBGT that was a California car with low miles that I sold to Peter Egan’s neighbor. I already had an MGB that I installed a hot 2.8 Cologne V6 with a T5 speed transmission. Divorce and house building has put it on the back burner for awhile. The engine, transmission, home built headers and most of the wiring completed. I have a Nissan 200SX disc brake rear diff to install yet (its practically a bolt in with the same wheel bolt circle) It also was 15×7 Mini-lite style Koenig wheels. I’m looking forward to completing this car. But current wife doesn’t like little cars. (She prefers trucks) I also weighed major parts removed vs major parts installed and came up with only 60 lbs added. I have had the car for close to 20 years in slightly modified condition. (Weber, headers, exhaust, lowered (it was originally a rubber bumper car) and chrome bumpers) We ran many club events with the car and it was used by the National MG club for their advertising video for the National meet in Reno a few years ago. Eventually the engine wore out with 145,000 miles. (I didn’t help it any with a 50 mile 80 mph blast with no overdrive. )
I forgot, MGBs are not an investment type car. HOWEVER If is a non-rusty car. And you do quality maintenance and repairs. You most likely will get back your costs. No money to be made on these. But not losing and the fun factor tend to make these a good choice if you do your own work. I feel the price on this car (baring some unseen questions) is priced correctly. I was even thinking about installing aftermarket A/C, but I don’t want to add any weight. I am looking forward to driving my with 175 HP (I had this engine in a other car and it is a very strong engine along with the 5th gear, it should be a great highway cruiser!
In the late 70’s, early 80’s, I had the good fortune to first own a blue 1969 MGBGT, and after an unfortunate accident, I rented vehicles before I found an orange 1974 1/2 MGBGT, with rubber bumpers at DeFinizio’s that I drove vigorously around Philly as I toured playing Saxaphone in the area. “WE” were a popular pair.
As far as the article is concerned, the windshield fogging is most likely delamination. It has happened to me. I’m of the old school that ‘ if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ It’s different windshield that the B’s and probably today, it is harder to get and a lot more expensive. ( like everything else!)
I looked on the previous marketplace listing for this seller/car and the same fogging showed up on one of those pix, so I’m sure is fogging.
If you want a MG or a MGB GT stick to what was offered by the factory . If you need more power go buy a MGB GT v 8 or another car that has the power you need. Yes they made a MGB GT v 8 at the factory although they were not offered in the US market. They also made a MGC for those who are thinking of more power but no one even mentions the MGC or the MGC GT. its a wonder why these modified cars are even selling in a weak market where a genuine MGB or a GT with any kind of modifications will be looked at with disdain.
All that effort to put a V6 in, and not one picture of the engine bay…darn!
The car exhibits a lot of attention to detail, and then you get to the engine compartment… which is sadly underwhelming.
If you judge an engine by how it performs in an Austin Marina there’s not much left to say…
Oh, I don’t know…an average finishing position of 2.7 in class over 12 races with two class wins and an IOE isn’t too bad…we did just fine, thank you. But I still don’t care for the harshness of the B-series engine.