The MG MGB had a solid 18-year run, which began in 1962 and lasted all the way through 1980, but this 1969 MGB GT has had a couple of unusual transplants that make it a unique offering in the marketplace. And while it’s still a project, the seller says that it won’t take a lot of time or effort to make this one a spectacular road car, so if you’ve been in the market for a late-sixties MG with some non-traditional components this may be a good car to take a look at. It’s located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and can be spotted here on eBay, where bidding has reached $1,825 so far. There’s no reserve, so the high bidder will be putting the finishing touches on the car.
Things outside are looking pretty normal, with the MG still wearing its original Primrose Yellow paint. The seller says he began this project around 7 or 8 years ago, with the nearly rust-free car having previously sat since 1985 in the Arizona and Nevada sun. But now, at 80 years old, he just doesn’t have the energy left to finish it. The patina is described as attractive, with only some minor bubbling on the left rear quarter panel, and the floors and other structural areas are stated to be solid from front to back. We do get to see a few photos from the car’s underside, including this one, and while it’s not exactly eye candy down there and there’s some surface rust visible, I didn’t immediately notice anything that looks like it goes a lot deeper.
Under the hood is where everything starts to get interesting! The story goes that the MGB engine that was in the car when the current owner acquired it had been blown, and as luck would have it he happened to have a Volvo B-18 engine out of a ’67 122 Amazon handy, so he rebuilt this motor and stuck it in the car. A Ford Type 9 transmission was also added to the mix, and the car is claimed to start, run, and yard-drive well. The clutch and lots of suspension parts are also said to be new.
The main thing the MG is still in need of the most work on is the inside, with the seller suggesting that an interior kit, minor detailing, and some TLC would all benefit the inside area. Attention has already been given to the dashboard, a custom job that I’m really digging the looks of, and I have to agree with the seller that this one doesn’t seem terribly far off from being ready to hit the road. It comes with a clear title as well. What are your thoughts on this one, and its unusual drivetrain?
Seems odd to swap a Volvo engine into this GT, and not gain any displacement.
When in high school one of the students showed up one day with a Buick straight 8 powered ’41 Willis coupe. Found the car in a junk yard and the Buick dealer had the engine sitting around doing nothing but collecting dust. Don’t know what everything cost him but it wasn’t much. The 2 liter Volvo is the engine I would put in the car but a later model B engine would be an easier swap and putting more power in it is easy. All this brought to you by a guy with engines all over his garage so I guess I can’t say much about this fellow.
So far I’ve never owned a pickup truck, nor a vehicle with a flathead engine, nor anything with more than eight cylinders. If I had the $$$ I’d put together a mid ’40s Ford pickup with a Lincoln Zephyr V12 and have all three in one package.
Nope. It will run forever. I don’t know what the transmission is, though .
One thing is clear by being a regular at this site, people sure do some odd things. Take this for example, I’m not sure what was supposed be gained by doing this. I say they ruined TWO cars, the Volvo and the MG. Sure can’t complain about the price, but looks like a hassle coupled to a bother and an original GT would be gone by now. They are really nice cars, I suppose the motor isn’t really a deterrent, but it’s not finished for a reason, and few want to take up that challenge today.
“Hassle coupled to a bother”
Sounds like my significant other…………….
But completely agree. There is something unique about the American predisposition for doing weird things to vehicles, whether its a FORD LTD mounted on 4 wheel drive truck chassis or Volvo engines in an MG..it’s like too much free time coupled with a peculiar ingenuity.
I have more money than brains, and, in fact, very little money. But I always thought a first gen Miata swap (1.8 or 1.6) would be a good fit for these cars. I’m tempted here.
The Volvo engine appears to fit well, and if all the mounting work was done to a high standard, nothing was ruined; the owner made a choice, that’s all.
There is no reason to criticize this persons project.
What do you mean: “yard drive well…”
Means it’s not registered or insured
I don’t know how common a swap it is/was, but this engine has been installed in T series MGs. I’ve seen a handful of them for sale or featured online over the years
It was a very common swap with the T-series MGs. The common swap for the MGB (if you can find one) is the Buick aluminum engine that was sold to Rover. It is 200 pounds lighter than the four cylinder engine that came in the MGB.
I like the combination of an indestructible engine and the obvious appeal of an MG. It seems to me to be a fine marriage, and for a fun car to actually drive for enjoyment, rather than driving it between repairs (or waiting for scarce parts to arrive) what could be better?
Some commenters either didn’t read the entire post or they have cognitive impairments. He didn’t ruin 2 cars. The car had a blown engine, the engine didn’t have a car. He worked with what he had and displayed some serious Hot Rodding chops. Wouldn’t be my first choice for a transplant (I’m thinking 13B) but Kudos for the creativity.
Amen brother. I am always thinking 13B, 12A, or Renesis.
This guy either has some unique mechanical skills or he is ingenious to take parts of 3 cars and make it run and drive. price if it goes to todays high bidder would be a good deal.
The dash seems to be a cheap piece of plywood. If you are going to build a dash, at least use a higher quality piece of plywood like walnut or maple. And the console is a disappointment.
I have always loved the pale primrose.
He rebuilt the Volvo motor? Why not rebuild an MG motor. If the original motor was not salvageable, they are not hard to find. They also require less creativity to install.
The dash would look better in a wooden boat.
So many Laz-Y-Boy mechanics today. If you don’t like it move on.
Better yet, show us YOUR projects. I give the guy big props for starting this in his 70s..
Where can I show pictures of my projects?
nice, LHD !
and
hatch. How bout 3 webers’n a 5 speed?
Other upgrades? All achievable @ this price~
Was wondering the date on the MGB says November 18th but it doesn’t say auction ending date or anything of such and is the 1825 still the current bid I’m new to this so I’m just learning and I’m not very computer savvy and doing this all on my phone so I appreciate your patience and extra time put into answering my questions thank you very much
It was sold on the 20th for $4750.
Follow the link to ebay. Is how to find that. The ebay app on the phone is a little fiddly after an auction is closed, but you can get there.