1973 MG MGB GT
A simple calculus has a long guided assessment of the MGB: chrome bumpers equals British classic; rubber bumpers equals British Leyland mediocrity. Yet this prejudice unfairly maligns thousands of cars and shortchanges the improbable 18 year run of the MGB. No one disputes the greatness of the early MGB, which debuted in 1962 as a replacement for the MGA. Handsomely styled, fun to drive, and relatively affordable, it quickly gained a wide following. Participation in racing burnished the car's reputation, and the introduction of the closed roof MGB GT in 1965 buoyed sales.
For consignment, a 1973 MG MGB GT with a one year only color spec and a professionally rebuilt engine with work done by well known Philadelphia area MG expert, Dick Moritz. It has the highly desirable overdrive which has been rebuilt to as new specs.
Exterior
Finished in Damask Red, this shade of burgundy suits the little Brit quite well, covering the straight panels with well minded gaps and intersected by an arrow straight side trim piece that spans completely from the headlight ring to the edge of the taillight. The profile of the car shows the dramatic, swooping rear window and hatch along with the smaller back wheel openings, protruding rear quarter, and upright windshield. There's nothing quite shaped like a MGB GT and it's immediately recognizable, especially from behind where the large rear window takes up a good bit of real estate before the body concludes at the sculpted chrome bumper. 14-inch wheels are adorned with polished aluminum trim rings. Other than some dings in the grille surround and some fading on the emblem, paint, body and metalwork are in excellent condition.
Interior
Navy blue dominates the interior and starts with the finely crafted and clean door panels. This color was only used with Damask red in 1973 making it quite a unique spec. The blue corduroy covering on the bucket seats and package shelf/rear bench is another 1973 only feature and other than some compression and meandering piping, look to be in good condition and contain headrests. A lovely 3 spoke wood rimmed steering wheel presents to the driver leading to the efficient and symmetrical MG dashboard, a virtual cornucopia of essential gauges, indicator lights, dials, and switches on the black vinyl background. In the center stack, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio with USB and AUX capability above a switch panel which waterfalls onto the center console that houses a wood handled shifter in a leather boot. Black loop carpet covers the floor with sectional mats and the light colored headliner is in great shape. Black loop carpet also covers the rear cargo area which is fantastically clean.
Drivetrain
Under the bonnet, a very clean presentation of the rebuilt 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine with a Delta D9 camshaft and rated at 78 horsepower. It is fueled by 2 rebuilt SU carburetors and moved into motion by an expertly rebuilt 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Power is sent to the rear wheels with 3.909 gears. The MG is equipped with disc brakes up front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality conditions are found underneath this well traveled coupe and includes bits of surface rust, residual oil on the rear differential, drops of oil on the pan and transmission, and evidence of windblown oil drift further back on the belly. The knuckles and wheel components are very clean, as is the sing exhaust which enters a stock style muffler before exiting via a chrome tip in back.
Drive-Ability
Short, nimble, and ultimately fun to drive, the GT took to the test loop like a fish to water. You might not get the open air experience of a topless MGB, but the big windows here create a bright greenhouse and the solid top, perhaps a stiffer chassis. The car handles with spirit, tracks well, and shifts cleanly. The only thing that didn't work was the heater blower. All other functions including the cockpit like dash, work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
We've had the honor of representing a lot of MG's here at Classic Auto Mall and none sell as consistently and with relative quickness as the GT's. Each one we've had has found a new, loving home, and we'd like to keep that string of successful matchmaking going. These are the practical MG's, a feature which makes them desirable, and their unique design makes them collectible. Ring us up, ol' chap, (or m'lady), and we'd be happy to set you up on a date.
GHD5UD307034
G-MG
H-BMC 1.8 Series Engine
D-MGB GT
5-MK3
U-USA Spec, Left Hand Drive
D-1973
307034-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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