BF Exclusive: 1972 MGB GT
- Seller: Gary L
- Location: Stephenville, Texas
- Mileage: 76,000 Shown
- Chassis #: GHD5UB219501G
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1.8-Liter Inline-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
The MGB Roadster is an icon in the world of British sports cars, but its hard-topped brother, the GT, never quite garnered the same love here in the States. It’s a shame, as they are a fantastic sports car with good handling, a back seat, more cargo space, and the same built-proof drivetrain found in the Roadster. The example being offered here as a Barn Finds Exclusive is a project, but with a $2,500 asking price, it’s definitely worth a closer look!
Pininfarina designed the GT’s rear styling, which goes exceptionally well with the B’s overall design. The hatchback opening provides considerably more space than the Roadster’s trunk and provides rear passengers with headroom. Most of the components are the same as those used in the Roadster, so finding parts to restore this one won’t be all that difficult. The seller purchased the car about 6 years ago and had it running and driving. It had been in the previous owner’s family from new and spent most of its life in New Mexico. After getting it running, life got in the way, and the seller didn’t get back around to it as they had planned. Rather than let it sit here, they want to see it go to a good home with someone who will revive it.
The B’s 1.8-liter inline-4 engine is about as simple and bulletproof an engine as you will ever find. While it isn’t the most powerful engine ever, its 95 horsepower is plenty to be fun. The seller has already installed a new water pump, but they believe the fuel pump isn’t working, it needs a new battery, the alternator bracket doesn’t seem correct, and the brake and clutch hydraulics are leaking. Parts and information about fixing these issues and getting it back into top running condition are plentiful.
Inside, we find all the common MGB project issues. The dash is cracked, the seats have tears, and the carpets are gone, but the major components are present and can be restored. Cost is going to be a factor here, though, as they can add up quickly. Hunting for used parts would be a good option to help keep expenses down.
We are huge fans of the MGB GT and hope this one will find a new owner who can save it! They are great cars to drive, and while a convertible is fun when the weather is right, the GT is far more practical and can be enjoyed more of the year. So, would you revive this B? If so, would you leave it covered in patina or treat it to a new coat of paint in its original color?
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Comments
Loved these as a kid and in 78 when I was 18 I test-drove a used GT but it didn’t work out. I had my heart set on a 240-260-280Z but couldn’t afford one of those. Hope this GT finds a good home.
Been in the previous owners family since new? I wouldn’t brag about that. It may have good bones but rust? And we’re talking about a good bit of money and labor to get it back to respectability. Let me tip my hat to the one who takes it on.
Per serial number, this is actually a 71. Probably sold and titled in 72. Also, 72’s didn’t have the pillow dashboard. Good luck with the sale.
It looks very straight. The interior is a full gut but easy ( for me). I would need to look at the rust more closely. If its surface rust, no problem. I am partial to chrome bumpers and steel dashes and I prefer the pre 70 models. however this one looks to have good potential without breaking the bank. @ Pat. I always wondered why they called them ‘pillow dashes’. That foam is hard as a rock! I am working on a 69 GT bringing it back to look pre 67. I removed the the foam from the pillow dash, brought it down to steel and refinished it with a stone guard finish. It looks good however not for purists. With some creativity, you can bring these back to solid drivers and looking good in the process without big $. If you go the route of new interiors like from Moss Motors, your costs will add up. I prefer the GT over the standard B and I believe they have better value. I like the styling better however it depends on whether you want open airing or coupe ‘useability.’ It’s the original ‘Sport Utility Vehicle ‘.
Parking in an area that looks like a bombed out brick yard doesn’t doesn’t do much to draw buyers. Like the GTs and if this one is solid it could be a good buy and a good car.
British racing Green, got to restore the paint. Too much work for me but it looks like a good project for someone.
One of my favorite cars,and looks like a relatively easy garage project but here in Florida gotta have A/C!
Couple of good AC aftermarket kits available and the newer compressors don’t pull that much power as compared to the old piston units.
No brainer for that money if you have skills and desire to restore. All parts available and cheap.
I wouldn’t call MGB GT a sportscar, but a very pracical 2 seater .
Martin, It’s even more practical when you remove that useless back seat and extend the cargo area! I agree as to not a sportscar but as I said above a ‘sports utility!’
With only five photos to work from, the usual rust spots are hard to see, a glimpse of the fire wall by the hydraulics, a shadow of a blemish on a lower fender. If the description is to be believed, the cars New Mexico history and the last several years in dry central Texas should leave a car with no real deep tin worm issues. IMO the surface rust is the result of poor prep for the color change. Shame really as the original Bedoin was very handsome, particularly on the GT’s. Seems to be a straightforward rescue/rebuild. If it really isn’t rusty underneath, and the engine has at least 125 lbs. of compression across the board, someone who is mechanically inclined should be able to have a driver for less than another $1000. Of course that’s with T-shirt seat covers and Wal-Mart tires. Back in the old days (last century) these were the cars we all looked for. I drove one like this for eight years back in the 90’s. Gave $500 for it and then built an engine and left the rest alone. Ratty but complete. Make it run, get a Tetanus shot and go put some miles on it. You may not want to take it on a date, but it makes the ride to work a lot more interesting. Shouldn’t last long at this price.
I’ve had my ’73 B/GT DD since 1986 – 38 years ago. ‘Paid $1300 for it IIRC. ‘Rebuilt the engine in 1990 and now 80,000 miles later it’s still a solid runner with 75# oil pressure. I didn’t restore it until 2004. Lotsa welding – I did it all. For the cost of having a shop do it, you can buy all the equipment yourself, learn a useful skill, and enjoy the immense pride that comes with the work.
I know where to look for all the typical MGB rust and none of these pictures help. I was able to blow up the fifth picture enough to see perhaps some relatively good news, but a first-hand examination is definitely in order. Of course, as a southwestern car, the news may be excellent indeed. But you know this car could have some cancer in it and still be a bargain at $2500.
From what I’m seeing here on Barnfinds, and that other site (where you have to “Bring” something) it seems that B/GTs are enjoying a bit of a rennaisance these days. It might be one of the lesser dissastrous automotive “investments” one could make these days. For me, the restoration work is all pleasure, and pleasures usually cost money – so I could care less about going upside-down. I don’t even think about it.
Certainly, the B/GTs are about the most useful little cars on the planet. But Josh, let’s not hear that it “provides rear passengers with headroom”. If said rear passengers are over three years of age, it categorically does not!
And if those rear passengers are over two years of age, they won’t have any legroom or footroom either. The same is quite true of all the sports-car based “2+2” GTs of the ‘60s and ‘70s. The “+2” part was no more than a fashion statement or advertising slogan. One could have rear seats in the last run of “Big Healeys” too – but ah, could you SIT in those seats? That was the unanswered question. Eight-foot 2X4s – sure thing, but rear passengers? Nah…
I also have a ’69 MGC/GT; from the bulkhead back, the same car. So my meagre MG collection is already heavy on the GTs. Otherwise I’d be all over this one. If it has overdrive, I’d buy it sight-unseen! Good working overdrives are currently worth half the asking $ on this car.
bachldrs, that’s a beautiful teal blue GT with minilites that you have there . I owned and cherished a 72 GT in that same color for many years.
The problem with “B’s” are that they’re pretty much gutless. When the BMW 2002 came out it dusted them off all day long. What they need (and eventually got, but not for the US market) is more power. What would be an ideal swap for this is the Nissan 370 Nismo motor and the 6 speed transmission. Then you’d have modern power (and plenty of it) and it wouldn’t upset the weight distribution. That would be a hoot.
It doesn’t take much to increase the power in these engines and keep them streetable. lots of engine goodies available to pump up horsepower.
I have always believed this cars shape was the inspiration for the BMW Clown shoe