1966 MGB GT for sale $32,950

MG is one of the worlds most iconic motoring brands. Founded in 1924 by Cecil Kimber, MG (which are the initials for Morris Garages) produced some fabulous cars pre-war and enjoyed much success in motoring racing. A milestone for the company occurred in 1933 when an MG Magnette K3 became the first non-Italian car to win its class at the Mile Miglia.

Today when someone mentions MG you immediately think of the affordable, everymans sports car, and particularly the MGB. It was, however, post-World War II that MG really brought the sports car to the people with the MG TC. The MG TA (built from 1936 1939) and MG TB (built from 1939 1940) were well regarded sports cars, but sold only in relatively small numbers. Introduced in 1945 the MG TC was in fact a very similar car to the MG TB, both visually and also mechanically sharing the same 1250 cc engine but with a slightly higher compression ratio. Although only built as right hand drive, America fell in love with the MG TC and many cars were sold to American serviceman serving in the UK and Europe at the end of the war. In fact everyone loved the TC and cars were sold to all points of the globe! Over six years of production MG sold 10,000 MG TCs.

The MG TC was succeeded by the MG TD in 1950 and circa 30,000 cars were built before being replaced by the MG TF in 1953. Just under 10,000 TFs were built of which one third had the 1500 cc engine. The T Series MGs were replaced by the MGA in 1955.

The MGA was introduced to compete with the new and very fresh Austin Healey. This model was a completely new design which proved to be another great success story for BMC. In total just over 100,000 MGAs were built from 1955 through until 1962. When introduced the MGA was powered by a 1489cc four cylinder engine and the first MGAs were often referred to as MGA 1500. The MGA power plant went through a number of improvements through the models life, including an increase to 1588cc in 1959 (MGA 1600) and then to 1622cc in 1961 (MGA Mark II). MG also introduced a high performance version of the MGA, the MGA Twin Cam in 1958.

The MGA was replaced by the MGB in 1962. The MGB was a totally new car and it featured a unitary structure rather than the traditional body on frame construction used by the MGA and T series cars. BMC got the formula right and the MGB was an outstanding success with in excess of 500,000 cars built through 18 years of production. MG built 386,961 roadsters and 125,282 GTs. The majority of the MGBs were powered by a 1,798cc 4 cylinder engine, however, in 1973 MG offered the MGB GT with Rovers 3.5 litre V8 engine.

BMC Australia built the MGB between 1963 and 1972 from CKD (complete knocked down) kits imported from England. All the MGBs built at the companys Liverpool, NSW factory were roadsters. The GT was not built in Australia.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1966 MGB GT.

The early history of this car is not known, however, it is understood to have been a UK market car that found its way to Malaysia and then Australia very early in its life with its first owner who was in the armed forces. The car then had a long term lady owner in Brisbane. This lovely MGB GT is now offered for sale from around 25 years of continuous ownership. The car is well known in MG circles in south east Queensland and it was regularly seen at MG events and classic car shows.

When acquired in the mid 1990s the car was in very good condition, however, its fastidious owner rebuilt the engine, repainted the car and had it re-trimmed during his ownership. All of this work was done in the late 1990s. The car was then used and enjoyed, however, it always scored well whenever entered in any concours delegance. It came second in class at the 2013 MG National Meeting held in Toowoomba.

Today this car presents and drives exceptionally well. The car makes a strong cosmetic impression with the British racing green paint work in excellent condition. The panel fit is excellent around the car and the paint shows just a handful of small blemishes, most noticeably on the trailing edge of the drivers door and the right rear wheel arch. There are also a few minor stone chips on the front leading edge of the roof that have been touched up. The chrome, external trim, lenses and glass are all in very good condition. There is some light scratching evident on the window surrounds. The wire wheels are excellent and shod with Champiro 165/80R14 tyres (date stamped 07/11) all round.

The interior presents exceptionally well. The seats are trimmed in black with white piping which complements the British racing green paint work perfectly. Whilst the interior has been re-trimmed some years ago it is hard to fault. The seats, door cards, centre console and rear compartment are all in very good condition. Even the carpets, which are often tatty on MGBs because the cars get driven, are in great condition. The steering wheel, instruments and controls, which are all in working order, are quintessentially British and a real feature of this car. The only defect we have found is some slight discolouration to the head lining near the rear windscreen.

Under the bonnet the engine bay is exceptionally clean and everything looks to be correct, including the maroon painted engine block.

The MGB GT is a fabulously looking British sports car and after ten minutes behind the wheel it is easy to understand why they were so popular back in the day and have transcended the generations to remain incredibly popular today. This car starts at the first turn of the key (you will the choke when cold) and the engine sounds on song from the get go. The driving position is comfortable and on our test drive of this car it performed impeccably. From our experience most MGBs tend to be somewhat rattly, but not this car. It is tight on the road, handles well and stops efficiently in s straight line. The gearbox is really good and the overdrive works. This car is easy to drive and it does everything one would expect. It has a fabulous raspy exhaust note which encourages you to drive this car as it makers intended!

In the boot there is a correct spare wheel, jack and aftermarket tool kit. There is also a drivers handbook (reprint), workshop manual and history file that will accompany the car.

This an excellent opportunity to acquire a fully sorted and beautifully presented chrome bumper MGB GT that drives every bit as good as it looks.

Price $32,950.