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1968 MGB GT Lenham Convertible
Highlights
- Outrageously rare! Only 17 of these cars were ever made and there is believed to be only a few left
- Very low mileage example
- Higher screen line thanks to being a Lenham converted MGB GT
The Appeal
A familiar car to any - with an extremely rare and desirable conversion done by the renowned coachbuilders Lenham Motor Company.
Based on a 1968 MGB GT, it was originally constructed for the use of one of its company directors, Peter Rix.
Based on a 1968 MGB GT, it was originally constructed for the use of one of its company directors, Peter Rix.
Due to the GT platform used, it retains the taller windscreen and has a little more legroom - as anyone will tell you that normal MGB’s were something of a clown car for anyone over 5’10”. This provides for a much more comfortable driving experience overall, especially for a slightly taller driver.
To emphasise the rarity here, the last MGB GT Lenham converted car that had crept up for sale in 2019 was claimed to be the very last one in existence.
So we know for sure there are two of them remaining, at least - but it is highly doubtful that there are any more than you’d be able to count on one hand. This is a true needle in a haystack that you’re extremely unlikely to come across again.
So we know for sure there are two of them remaining, at least - but it is highly doubtful that there are any more than you’d be able to count on one hand. This is a true needle in a haystack that you’re extremely unlikely to come across again.
The History and Paperwork
- Abundance of MOT history paperwork
- Fresh 12 month MOT
- Invoices for work carried out on the vehicle throughout the years
- Valid and up to date V5C
- Lenham conversion based on an MGB GT
- Converted in 1986 for the director of Lenham, Peter Rix
- 1 of only 17 ever created by Lenham
The Interior
- Black leather
- Wooden trim
- Gentle patina in just the right places
- Tape deck
- Switches and gauges all fully functional
- Rear deck seats in great condition
- Original carpets
- MG kick plates
Hold on… An MGB GT… With four seats and a drop top?! Yep. And that’s not the only fantastic thing about this Lenham converted car.
In 1986, this MGB GT was converted by Lenham Motor Company into a roadster for one of the company directors. Thanks to being based off of a GT, it features a much higher windshield and a much more comfortable amount of room for a taller driver, and you still get to keep the luxury of a drop top.
In 1986, this MGB GT was converted by Lenham Motor Company into a roadster for one of the company directors. Thanks to being based off of a GT, it features a much higher windshield and a much more comfortable amount of room for a taller driver, and you still get to keep the luxury of a drop top.
Finished in black leather with a beautiful wooden dash, the seats themselves are in very commendable shape for a 53 year old beauty!
Of course, they showcase the usual leather patina with a glossy finish and creasing, but there does not appear to be any bad cracks or tears, and the stitching is all intact too.
We think that the gentle amounts of patina in here is what makes a classic car, a classic. It showcases a little bit of history and character, and we love that.
Of course, they showcase the usual leather patina with a glossy finish and creasing, but there does not appear to be any bad cracks or tears, and the stitching is all intact too.
We think that the gentle amounts of patina in here is what makes a classic car, a classic. It showcases a little bit of history and character, and we love that.
The rear bench is still wonderfully intact, with very little sign of it actually being used very much over the years! Original carpets are still in place and seem to still be plush with no tears or rips throughout, just some wear on the driver side floor beside the accelerator pedal.
Sitting in the driver seat you’re presented with the Moto-Lita steering wheel, wrapped in patina black leather. The stitching here is all still intact, but the leather is cracking in the high-wear areas as to be expected.
Sitting in the driver seat you’re presented with the Moto-Lita steering wheel, wrapped in patina black leather. The stitching here is all still intact, but the leather is cracking in the high-wear areas as to be expected.
The dashboard is finished in beautiful wooden trim, with the centre console portion showing some signs of delamination around all of the cut-outs.
All other pieces of wood trim seem in much better condition than this, but there are some slight signs of it in other areas.
All other pieces of wood trim seem in much better condition than this, but there are some slight signs of it in other areas.
The Exterior
- Ice Blue Metallic paint
- Chrome wire wheels
- Well maintained brightwork
- Straight and true body panels
- MGB mud flaps
- Soft top cover in good condition
- Drop top in good shape with no tears
- Very solid example
Finished in a gorgeous Ice Blue metallic paint, this MGB really is a headturner. The brightwork remains in fantastic condition and the body overall seems incredibly solid, with only very tiny signs of any corrosion.
At the front of the vehicle, the brightwork grill is in great shape retaining a lot of its shine, and the headlamps appear to be in good condition with no cracks or apparent moisture ingress.
The top outset edges of the grill where it meets the front fenders, shows some minor stone chipping in this area but we’re really putting the car under a microscope here! The bonnet is in lovely condition and appears straight and true with factory fitting body panels.
The top outset edges of the grill where it meets the front fenders, shows some minor stone chipping in this area but we’re really putting the car under a microscope here! The bonnet is in lovely condition and appears straight and true with factory fitting body panels.
Around to the side of the vehicle we’re greeted with gorgeous wire spoke chrome wheels which are in outstanding shape with no signs of corrosion, these are undeniably pretty.
The brightwork which runs along the side of the car is present and glistening, and the body panels all appear straight too. There are some small blemishes and cracks in the paint below the doors near the sills but they do not show any signs of corrosion here.
A slight rust bubble is appearing on the driver side rear arch, and appears to be in quite early stages.
The brightwork which runs along the side of the car is present and glistening, and the body panels all appear straight too. There are some small blemishes and cracks in the paint below the doors near the sills but they do not show any signs of corrosion here.
A slight rust bubble is appearing on the driver side rear arch, and appears to be in quite early stages.
At the rear of the roadster, again the brightwork is in fantastic condition and the “MGB” designator is still proudly in place. The light clusters seem to be in fantastic shape too with no damage or cracks apparent!
Unfolding and putting up the roof gives this little MGB a whole new look, the soft top itself in in good complete condition with no rips, and the inside of the soft top is very much the same, just with the odd damp looking stain here and there which is to be fully expected of any convertible of this era.
The Mechanics
- 1.8L B-series 4-cylinder
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- Twin 1.5” SU Carburettors
- Full synchromesh 4-speed manual transmission
- Overdrive in 3rd and 4th
Like all MGB’s of the era (aside from the V8 variants), this MGB GT sports the 1.8L BMC B-series engine mounted in longitudinal orientation to power the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission, with an overdrive in 3rd and 4th gear.
Although these cars only made a mere 95bhp from their 4-banger, given how light the chassis is they can actually be quite a handful to throw around and an extremely rewarding car to drive through the twistiest.
Although these cars only made a mere 95bhp from their 4-banger, given how light the chassis is they can actually be quite a handful to throw around and an extremely rewarding car to drive through the twistiest.
Driving performance of this MGB is reported to be flawless, the engine is eager to fire up and get going with no hesitation and the gear changes are smooth and easily engaged.
We’re told there are no unwelcoming noises coming from the suspension upon driving and that it is an absolute pleasure to drive. If the condition is anything to go off of, then we absolutely believe it!
We’re told there are no unwelcoming noises coming from the suspension upon driving and that it is an absolute pleasure to drive. If the condition is anything to go off of, then we absolutely believe it!
This little MG has been wonderfully maintained and cherished. And rightly so - it’s among the very last of its kind and it would be a shame to treat it with anything less than care and affection.
Summary
It’s eye opening to understand just how rare this vehicle actually is.
With only 17 ever made, and potentially less than a handful remaining, an opportunity like this truly doesn’t come up very often at all. Not to mention, particular example certainly wouldn’t take very much to get up to concours condition.
With only 17 ever made, and potentially less than a handful remaining, an opportunity like this truly doesn’t come up very often at all. Not to mention, particular example certainly wouldn’t take very much to get up to concours condition.
This is a sure-fire investment for any MGB enthusiast, and someone in the know will realise that as soon as they see the name “Lenham” on the sticker in the windscreen.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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Auction Details
- Year 1968
- Make MG
- Model GT Lenham Convertible
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 40,529 Miles
- Engine size 1798
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Southend-on-Sea
- County Essex
- Country United Kingdom
-
Auction ends
27 Bids
- Mac151•••• £13,000 16/06/22
- baker.a•••• £12,500 16/06/22
- michael•••• £11,850 16/06/22
- classic•••• £11,250 16/06/22
- baker.a•••• £11,000 16/06/22
- michael•••• £10,650 16/06/22
- baker.a•••• £10,000 16/06/22
- michael•••• £9,750 16/06/22
- michael•••• £9,350 16/06/22
- baker.a•••• £9,100 16/06/22
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