California Born & Raised MGB-GT – 1967 the Most Desirable Year of the “B”
Documentation Dating Back to the 1970’s & Photos of Drive-line Removed Restoration
4-Speed & Overdrive! White / Black with White Piping – Wire Wheels
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NOTE: Our listings are rather lengthy. They not only describe this particular car but also some history of the make/model, considerations in buying a classic car and facts about our firm. However, we continually hear from out of state / out of country buyers (many of our clients) that they prefer the level of detail that we provide. However, if you are not prepared to read the full listing, please read the OVERVIEW below along with the PHOTOGRAPHS at the bottom. If you’d prefer, please call us at 925-846-1451 and we’ll gladly discuss the MGB-GT and answer any questions over the telephone, including our “Buy it Now” policy. Yes, the Corvette can be purchased prior to the end of the eBay auction.
INTRODUCTION
This car is offered at a realistic price and, unlike bidding on cars in an auction environment, you will have the benefit of extensive information and history on the car prior to making a buying decision. Equally as important is the fact that Classic Cars Ltd. has been in business for 25 years and enjoys an excellent national / international relationship with nearly 1,000+ positive eBay feedback responses.
Please keep in mind that we will gladly…
- Answer any questions over the telephone and take the time to guide prospective customers through the buying process (925-846-1451).
- Assist with locating a quality, suitable transporter at very competitive prices.
- Provide proof that we are licensed, bonded (for the financial transaction), fully insured, and operate from an established showroom environment.
- Provide feedback from previous buyers, and specific references for vehicle purchases in your area (we also ask that you view our detailed eBay feedback by clicking on the number to the right of the eBay user name)
- Offer additional information including specific photographs or clarification of any part of our description of the vehicle
Thank you again, please let me know if I can be of assistance
Happy “eBaying”!
Tripp White, Pres.
Classic Cars Ltd.
Pleasanton, CA
925-846-1451
THE MGB GT
In 1965 a coupe version of the MGB was introduced. The MGB GT was an attractive and functional closed version of the standard body. In appearance, the front end, front and rear wings, and doors were essentially the same as the roadster, but the windscreen was slightly higher to allow for a higher roof line on the car. The roof ran back in gentle curve over the doors and rear side windows before sloping down into the rear panel. In the place of the roadsters small boot lid was a much larger hinged tailgate that provided access to the storage space inside, making it one of the earliest examples of the now popular hatchback car.
Inside, a small rear seat was provided and could be used to carry small passengers. Additionally, the seat could be folded flat to provide a large load platform for luggage, making the GT a really useful two-seat touring car.
The bodywork of the “GT” actually helped the cars performance by the improvement in aerodynamics the roof brought. This gave the GT a slightly higher top speed than the roadster, and also resulted in an improvement in handling. The MGB GT was not only a good looking car, but it offered saloon car comfort levels with a sports cars performance. As a result, the GT became very popular with those who wanted something more civilized than a roadster.
THIS PARTICULAR MGB-GT
As is the case with so many of cars, this example comes to us form a local owner who has owned the car for many years, 11+ in this case. The MGB-GT has a history documented it as an original car including the originally issued license plates, URT014, with the correct sequence for the registration of the MG in 1968. Also included is CA. registration documentation reflecting the same black/yellow plate number of URT014.
Copies of photos in the file that will accompany the other paperwork reflect the considerable work and a drive-line restoration managed by the cars current owner over the course of close to 5 years including:
– Complete engine and transmission out rebuild
– Complete re-spray in a later model Lexus white
– Photos of the car in various stages of restoration
– Written documentation of restoration efforts from 2014 – 2019
– Safety inspection 8/15/19 & 2/12/19 (after recent repairs & upgrades)
We founded Classic Cars Ltd. 25 years ago and have, since the beginning, offered clean, original, California sports and high performance vehicles. This car is exactly the type of vehicle that we enjoy owning personally, and making available to fellow enthusiasts around the globe.
We have personally owned a number of MGB’s and, frankly, we really enjoy these cars in both convertible and coupe, GT form. The cars represent a tremendous value, and are not only great fun to drive but truly epitomize the British sports car experience.
Benefits of this particular MGB GT include:
- 1967 being considered “the” year to own by many enthusiasts
- Desirable chrome bumper / steel dash MGB
- Factory 4-speed transmission with desirable overdrive
- 5 Main Bearing 1800 cc Engine
- Factory Wire Wheel Car
- AM/FM CD radio
- Beautiful, high quality period wooden steering wheel / aluminum spokes
- Black interior / white piping
- Left & right side view mirrors
During the previous 11+ years, the owner of the MGB has taken exceptional care of the MGB-GT following in the footsteps of the cars previous owners. The car has, of course, always been garaged and has been used exclusively as a weekend occasional car on clear, sunny Northern California days. It has lived in one of the best climates in the world; inland California, far from the salty roads (and oceans) and other inclement weather that can be so damaging to classic cars.
This MGB is a lovely example with the added benefit of a long-term, mechanical and cosmetic restoration. However, it retains a lovely patina that is difficult to describe but reflects its easy life in Northern California. .
As a significant bonus, the car is a limited owner, original ”black plate”, rust free, California car with many of the factory options and aftermarket upgrades. Of course, the MGB carries a clear California title. It is a truly special car and is bound to go to an avid collector / enthusiast that will (hopefully) be the cars “caregiver” for many years to come.
Many sports car enthusiasts believe that MGB’s epitomize the classic British sports car. By the 1967, the MGB had very nice performance, handling and was comfortable for longer journey’s (unlike the earlier MGTD’s, “TC’S”, etc.). Also, the GT version was more structurally more rigid and wasn’t plagued with wind noise and rattles like some of the open sports cars. Our European buyers can attest to the popularity of these cars as do our friends in the Midwest and the East Coast who favor them during the cool fall and winter months.
Listed below are additional details on the 1967 MGB features and condition by category along with 100~ photographs of the cars exterior, interior, engine bay and even the underside of the car (to document the lack of rust in the floors, rocker panels, etc.).
A BREAKDOWN OF THE “NUMBERS”
THIS MGB CARRIES THE VIN# GHD3U137556G which decodes as follows:
G / H / D / 3 / 137556
G = MG
H = Leyland Engine
D = GT Coupe
3 = MKI (1962-1967)
L = Market (Left-hand drive)
109576 = Car Id Number
Note: Production data accumulated by the MG experience indicates that the beginning 1967 MG carried a # of 108039. With a production ID of 109576, this would suggest that this B” is a very early car, one of the first 500 manufactured.
The car has the following factory or added options/upgrades:
– Overdrive
– Wire wheels
– Heater/defroster
– Correct factory dual SU carburetor
When the engine was rebuilt, as is often times the case, the engine plate was destroyed. However, the owner reports that the engine is a correct unit. Our inspection, and extensive experience with MGB’s, supports that the car is an 1800 cc with the proper carburetion and other external components. The engine bay remains in stock configuration benefiting only from update replacement maintenance items and the following:
– Engine compartment repainted body color during the restoration with engine and transmission removed from the car
– Aluminum valve cover
– Factory correct air cleaner
– Twin SU carburetors
– Factory oil cooler with steel braided lines
– Converted to 12 volt negative ground
BODY & INTERIOR / TRIM
The MGB-GT was original produced in Old English White and was enhanced to a lovely brighter shade of Lexus white during the restoration. Personally, we have always found the white and black combination to be especially attractive on the MGB-GT.
The paint and body quality rate high as does the exterior brightwork. The engine compartment was re-painted when the car retains its factory original paint in the engine bay and has been re-sprayed in the correct color one time.
The MGB-GT has beautiful black interior and factory black leather seats with white piping. The entire interior is in lovely condition including the dash, carpet, black trim (door panels, headliner, etc.).
The MGB received a total re-paint within the past 5 years and has had no partial painting or damage since that time. The paint shows very well due in large part to its limited use and being garaged for the large majority of the time and the cars use as an “occasional car.” When re-painted it is apparent that most of the trim was removed / replaced as there is no overspray and the rubber seals, moldings and other trim items with all remaining in beautiful condition.
In addition to being very attractive cosmetically, this car has incredibly strong “bones” that suggests that it has never been involved in an accident and the body and chassis are free from rust & rot.
An in-depth inspection of the MGB body reveals a solid chassis and floor pans. There is no apparent patching of floor boards and the chassis members are straight and free from any significant damage. The twin battery boxes (now converted to one 12 volt battery) are intact and solid with only the usual light dusting of typical surface “patina.” The jacking points are rock solid, the rocker panels totally free from rust and the trunk equally solid. The typical rust prone areas (rocker panels, front fenders, rear quarter panels, floors, etc.) are free from rust.
The trunk area is totally straight and free from any rust and completely solid. The MGB is free from any rust through, damage or significant rust (refer to photos). The spare tire well contains a wire wheel (original) with a matching high quality Michelin tire that remains unused. The jack and wheel hammer are missing but easily sourced.
The hood and trunk line up well, with even gaps, and close easily and securely. The underside of the hood is clean and free of dirt, oil and grease. The trunk underside is also clean and it fits well, and locks.
The door locks operate properly as does the lock on the glove box door and trunk lock. The hood releases and locks properly using the inside hood release on the left inside of the car.
The exterior trim is in very good condition, as well. The front and rear bumpers have little or no pitting rust or damage and still have a nice brilliance. The other exterior “bright work” is also in very good condition including, but not limited to the window trim, emblems, headlight trim rings, and exterior mirror. The exterior moldings are good with only a few door dings that do not detract from the overall appearance of the MG. All moldings and emblems are in place and not badly damaged, bent or missing.
The side windows are free from cracks and damage. The front windshield is also free from any cracks, stars or damage. The windshield is free from “wiper marks” or scratches that are caused as a result of damaged but not replaced rubber blades. In fact, this car has the original style chrome / aluminum wipers…a classic touch on a vintage MGB. The chrome surrounding the windshield and other windows is good.
The tires are in very good condition and are a matched set of very high quality Michelin tires and optional wire wheels that show well and are free from missing and badly bent/damaged spokes.
INTERIOR
The interior remains in its factory original configuration including the original MGB leather seats in black with white piping. The only minor changes to the interior add considerable character to the MGB and include the following:
- An upgraded Moto-Lita wooden steering wheel with functional horn
- Upgraded, more modern Alpine CDEL72BT & AM/FM/CD player
- An older wooden shift knob with MG logo
- Stainless side door protectors (to protect the door panels when entering / exciting the vehicle) with MG logo.
- Front lap belts
The interior on the MGB is in truly lovely condition. Everything including the front seats, rear seats, door panel, and carpeting are free from rips, tears and signs of wear and tear other than the patina of leather. The interior panels are also in very nice condition and free from damage. The carpeting matches the interior colors (black) and is in beautiful condition. The headliner and sun visors are also excellent and have their original fasteners. This car has been exceptionally well cared for and the interior reflects that care.
The door sills and door jambs are clean and free from dirt and grease.
Of course, the car has the benefit from the early “metal dash”, a feature that is sought after by all MGB collectors/enthusiasts. The vertical portions of the dash are finished in black with the great look of “wrinkle finish.” The top dash pad is in great condition, free from any cracks, warping or damage. The door panels, center console, and lower dash “knee kick panel” and other interior components are in lovely condition. The trim and dash surrounds are also excellent and free from damage. All of the gauges ae in fully functional condition and reflect readings well within acceptable ranges. The car runs cool and the oil pressure reads 70+ lbs. when the car is warm!
ENGINE & MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
It is refreshing to see an older MGB-GT in this kind of overall condition. When we had the car inspected by an independent repair facility and it passed the California safety inspection. The mechanic commented that this is “A really nice MGB-GT that has clearly had recent major work performed to the engine and possibly the transmission / clutch.” The safety inspection revealed a fully functioning electrical system with the exception of a few non-working lights that have been repaired.
Other major items were also inspected and found to be well within acceptable limits. These included brakes, tires, steering / suspension and other major driveline components. The car passed the California required safety inspection and no rust through was found in the frame or undercarriage.
While the MGB did not accumulate significant miles during this owner’s care, it was used for the occasional weekend drives by its very careful, particular owner.
The owner reports that upon his acquisition of the MG, the engine had just been removed and rebuilt along with the overdrive unit. Since the time of rebuild he estimates less than 1,000 miles on the complete engine rebuild. Although no receipts were provide, the photos show the engine and transmission completely out of the car.
Recent repairs and maintenance, documented by receipts and/or mechanic notes include:
– Replace heater control valve <100 miles
– Fill & test cooling system <100 miles
– Replace starter motor <100 miles
– Replace brake light switch (brake lights were working intermitted, now 100%) <100 miles
– Repair reverse light operation <100 miles
– New rear shock absorbers – 7/23/19
– Repair overdrive switch – 2019
– Repair high beam indicator & dash lights – 2019
– New front brake rotors, bearings, seals & rear wheel cylinders including new brake hoses – <1,000 miles
– New front water hoses <1,000 miles
– 2 new outside mirrors <1,000 miles
– New t-handle choke cable <1,000 miles
– Complete fluid change(s) including <1,000 miles
Needless to say, the MGB has received considerable attention over the years. When it was purchased from the original owner, the present owner indicated that he was told that the car had recently had the benefit of a rebuilt engine and possibly transmission (he couldn’t’ recall the details). Based on the appearance of the engine, its strength and the mechanics evaluation, we would certainly believe that this “B” has received a major engine overhaul.
With ongoing maintenance like this, it will come as no surprise that the MGB runs and drives extremely well. As a carbureted model, the car starts immediately whether warm or cold with the use of the choke. The MGB car runs very well and we cannot identify any issues with major components, including; the engine and transmission, rear end, brakes and suspension.
The engine in the car is very strong and it does not smoke, have any unusual noises, or exhibit any problems. There are no major leaks to indicate serious problems and is especially dry for a British car of this vintage (although minor “seeping” is a reality of all vintage British cars!). The MGB idles smoothly at approximately 1000 rpm, and does not hesitate, or have any drivability issues. The car runs cool, even in our 100+ degree California weather and has never overheated or exhibited starting problems.
The transmission shifts well up through the gears with the second gear syncro showing some signs of characteristic wear. As is the case with so many older British cars, the MG prefers to be down-shifted gently as opposed to fast shifting suitable for late model cars. The overdrive engages as designed in either 3rd or 4th gear reducing the revolutions to save fuel and wear on mechanical components. There is no excessive noise in the driveline and the clutch engages properly, and without slippage, chattering or fuss. The brakes work well and stop the car straight and sure. The emergency brake holds even on steeper grades.
The engine and engine bay are very tidy and show only the normal minimal amount of patina, but no indications of significant oil leakage. We have owned/driven a large number of MGB cars over the years, and can with confidence, say that this is a really nice running/driving car that will provide years of future enjoyment to its new owner.
The MGB is exempt for California smog, one of the strictest in the U.S. While we imagine that it is exempt from virtually all States smog requirements, we ask that you check prior to bidding on the MGB (most states exempt everything 25+ years old and some states (from our experience) do not have any smog requirements.
The MGB is currently licensed and registered in California and is being sold with a clear, transferable California title. The MGB-GT has always been garaged when not in use and the repair records referenced earlier (along with the cars original owner’s manual are included.
Thank you,
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451