1971 MGB GT - Damask Red, Overdrive - MGBGT MG BGT

Many more pictures available via our website – RMC Classics Ltd - see the link above.

MGBs are always a popular classic. Thanks to their simplicity, excellent parts availability and support from endless clubs, groups and online forums, they are suitable for those who are well versed in classics, new to the scene, younger drivers and also people simply looking for a usable classic to plod around in! Being both Tax and MOT exempt, owning these cars is very affordable, along with cheap insurance – what’s not to like?

This car is an older restoration and has been maintained to a good level since then, with much more work undertaken to keep the car ship-shape and in fully usable condition. No, it’s certainly not a concours show car, but it looks great and attracts a lot of comments and admiration - if you’re looking for a solid, reliable MGB to use that won’t deteriorate quickly, then this is probably the car for you!

As you can see from the pictures, the car presents nicely. The paint has a good shine, but on closer inspection there are some areas of microblistering and bubbles etc – nothing too bad though! I’d say the car was painted during its restoration around 15 years ago. Door gaps are good and they shut with a satisfying ‘thunk’. Again, it is not a freshly restored concours car or a car that’s been quickly ‘tarted up’ for resale. She’s an honest old girl!
Structurally – sills, chassis legs, castle sections, floors, inner wing trumpet sections etc all appear to be nice and solid – the shell is generally very good indeed! The car doesn’t seem to be hiding any nasty horrors, like so many of the cars on the market do. Bumpers have a good shine to them – the front one is excellent, the rear one does have some pitting but doesn’t look out of place at all. The front windscreen trim is missing a couple of parts and currently just has some self adhesive chrome trim fitted instead. The correct trim is around £70 from the MGB Hive and various other suppliers.

The interior is a lovely place to be, and is clean and tidy. The OEM vinyl seats are free from rips and tears, the door cards match the seats, and the dashboard has been refinished in the correct ‘crinkle’ paint. A period ‘Astrali’ steering wheel has been fitted. The carpet set is showing signs of age, with discolouration and some areas beginning to deteriorate. A new carpet set is not expensive but I have decided to leave this to the next owner to decide which colour to go for! It would transform the interior and is not a difficult job. A bluetooth radio is supplied but not wired in – again, I didn’t want to start cutting holes etc in the door cards if the next owner wishes to leave the car original. The Rostyle wheels have been refurbished in the not-too-distant past and look great - the tyres have plenty of tread remaining.

The engine starts readily and runs nicely, ticking over strongly and sounds great on the road. A compression test reveals healthy readings across the board. Oil pressure is excellent both cold and hot, and there are no overheating problems to report – the car keeps itself cool happily and doesn’t seem to use excess oil or coolant. I have done a couple of hundred miles in the car myself to ensure it’s fit and healthy. The 4-synchro overdrive gearbox selects gears nicely, the overdrive engages instantly without fuss. You can see in the pictures that the engine bay is very clean, tidy and well-kept.

The car rides nicely, it has had parabolic rear springs fitted as well as telescopic dampers. The brakes are nice and progressive and lock up nicely, just as they should. Steering is sharp and the front suspension has no excessive play. Recent works include a carburettor balance and tune, resetting of the ignition timing, a new speedometer cable and other minor bits and bobs.

The car comes with current V5 document but sadly any older paperwork had been misplaced by a previous owner. Of course, the car is now tax and MOT exempt.

All in all, this is an absolutely charming little car that is ready to be used and enjoyed. No, it’s not a concours show car, but you won’t find many cars at this price that have such a solid shell. It’s an excellent basis to take to the next level – or just use and enjoy exactly as it is. I travel all over the country to view these cars and this one is particularly good for the money I’m asking. If you’re looking for a show-standard car, please double your budget and look elsewhere, but if you’re looking for a presentable and usable car that you can enjoy and improve as you go, then this is probably the car for you!