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1979 MGB GT

Chassis No. GHD5-473114G

Engine No. 25910

To many, the GT version of the venerable MGB has better lines than the original Roadster. Undeniably more practical, its fold-down rear seats and opening rear hatch make it an excellent long distance tourer.

When the later rubber bumper cars came along these good looks took a step backwards, a situation that is easily rectified, as with this superb example which has been retro-fitted with a chrome bumper kit.

The vendor of this prize winning GT purchased it in 2005 in good condition from well-known classic

specialist, Bockings Garage in Yorkshire. After using the car regularly for 18 months he decided to give it a thorough restoration, embarking on a near £20,000 rebuild, producing one of the nicest examples we have seen.

An ex-Jaguar employee, he had been responsible for the preparation of the Jaguar Motorshow cars,

ensuring that everything was just so. His latest creation, while not a true concours contender, comes very close, all the more impressive when its multiple trips across France are taken into consideration.

A huge file of bills detail the magnitude of the work that has been undertaken. The first job was a complete strip-down, the bodywork being entrusted to local classic experts, Grahams Garage of Montgomery. The shell was brought back to scratch with many new panels including front and rear wings, new doors, replacement sills, the complex castle sections, front and rear valences, rear wheel arches and trumpets all being professionally welded in place. The completed shell was then painted in Corsa Red, which although not a standard MG colour probably should have been!

Attention then turned to the mechanics. A complete exchange engine was sourced from Oselli fitted with an unleaded head. New carburettors with chrome plated air filters were fitted along with 123 electronic ignition. A Rev Tec additional draw fan was added in anticipation of sundrenched traffic jams in San Tropez, while Metal Mickey added some subtle louvres to a brand new bonnet, another modification that MG probably should have considered (should the lucky new owner think these a bit much, the vendor is including the original un-louvred bonnet which was painted at the same time as the rest of the car).

A set of bolt on wire wheels, modified king pins with needle roller top bushes, stainless exhaust, new petrol tank, propshaft, stiffer V8 suspension bushes, new leaf springs, oil cooler, new front screen and sticker kit were added – you probably get the picture!

Having spent much of his working life in Jaguar’s trim department, the vendor retrimmed the seats in two tone leather, fitted new high quality carpets, added map pockets and fitted recalibrated instruments in cream with red indices. Since completion the car has covered some 4,600 miles and has proved utterly reliable and user friendly. MOTd until April 2015 and taxed until September, it draws attention wherever it goes.

This sparkling and thoroughly sorted MGB is a beautifully presented example having had many hours of

careful attention lavished upon it, not to mention a great deal of hard-earned cash.

£22,995

Make: MG

Model: MGB GT

Year: 1979

Mileage: n/a

Price: £22,995