1973 MG MGB GT

Description

I'm sure there are guys out there looking at this pretty 1973 MGB GT and wishing that the top went down, but this is one of the rare occasions when the hardtop version is every bit as valuable and desirable as the convertible. And if you haven't noticed, MGBs are not $5000 beaters anymore, with clean ones bringing surprisingly decent money. If you're looking, don't stand around waiting for the right combination of cheap and perfect, make a move! This shining example only shows 42,479 miles on the odometer, which are believed to be actual.

To my eye, the GT looks a lot more mature than the roadster, as if it means business instead of pleasure. It's practical, no question about that, but the MGB's shape definitely works under that sloping roofline. Painting it silver only reinforces that grown-up image and helps this neat coupe keep a low profile. The fact that it's an early chrome-bumper car certainly helps its appeal, and while some may claim they see some E-Type Jaguar in its profile, I look at it and see more DB5 Aston-Martin. But even comparisons like that overlook the fact that this is a really nice car in its own right; honestly, where will you get more British fun for less money? The paint shines nicely, the chrome and trim sparkles, and with tinted windows, it has a polished, sophisticated air to it that simply whispers performance in your ear. And for an MGB, fit and finish are quite good and if you don't like getting wet, a GT is the only way to drive an MGB in the rain.

Aside from having to watch your head when you climb in, the interior of the GT is pretty similar to the roadster. The seats have cloth inserts, so it feels more upscale than the all-vinyl roadster interior and with that cargo bay behind the seats, you can actually put plenty of useful stuff in this one. The dash is the same and it's full of the same handsome Smiths instruments surrounded by the same leather-wrapped wheel. Everything is in good condition, albeit showing a few signs of age here and there, and with an upgraded AM/FM/cassette stereo that actually sounds more than halfway decent, this could be a legitimate long-distance cruiser. Nice carpets, newer floor mats, and a big trunk all give it a handsome, well-finished feel when you're inside.

The engine is the usual 1798 cc inline-four that powers all the MGBs, but it's a gutsy little engine with a fantastic sports car growl that makes it feel faster than it is. Twin side-draft carburetors certainly help in the horsepower department, and you'll be amazed at the performance delivered by the diminutive 4-cylinder. It's pretty much factory-issue under the sloping bonnet, but that also means it's easy to service with great parts availability, and there's a vast aftermarket catering to these cars, so good advice is never far away. It's backed by a slick-shifting 4-speed manual with a switch-activated overdrive, so highway cruising is a pleasure. The suspension is pretty basic but does a good job with the lightweight car and with front disc brakes, stopping power is quite good. Factory wheels look sporty and wear 175/70/14 radials, which properly fill the wheel wells and don't cost a fortune.

A fun little car with a practical edge, just think about how affordable and practical this would be as your daily driver or weekend warrior. Call today!