MGB-GT MGBGT - Arizona Car – Zero Rust – Wires/Spokes – 86 Pics

I sourced this 1968 MGB-GT with the intention of it being the "base" for my next crazy project (I'm the guy that injected a BMW M3 driveline into a TR6 a few years back). I have been searching dry climate regions of the country for the past couple of years looking for a BGT that has never had rust or an accident history. I had actually attempted to purchase this exact BGT 3/14 in AZ but another party snuck in and committed to it before I had an opportunity to reach out to the owner. Fast forward to 7/15 and I was tipped off to it becoming available again, nchanged, nd this time I was finally successful of taking ownership so it's now in my possession. When I began this quest in 2012 I had a completely different transplant procedure in mind than I do today. Unfortunately my current donor driveline I have been engineering simply will not fit into the chest cavity of a BGT without modifications that would be visible to the exterior. This is simply not acceptable as I my intentions are to always retain a "stock" appearance as if the manufacturer built it from the factory...not an afterthought or backyard conversion.

So here I am today with a choice...rewind to my original conversion idea or press forward with what I've now got in mind and source a different transplant recipient. Since your reading about it for sale here I'm sure the answer is fairly obvious. As with any of my cars/projects that hit the market, make every attempt to sort them out at the very least so I started by inspecting it inside and out for typical MG issues. This BGT was not a forgotten project and had been driven regularly so I really didn't expect any surprises.

Currently it's sitting with 78,387 miles and is in stock configuration with the exception of the distributor being changed over to an electronic module (no more points). I was told that the engine had a fairly fresh overhaul but unsure of how many miles back this occurred. Compressions are strong and consistent and it maintains 40+ psi oil pressure at all temps. I drained the fluids (engine, ransmission, iff, lutch, rakes, adiator, tc.) and found nothing out of the ordinary and replaced with new fluids along with necessary filters. I found that the clutch slave cylinder was dripping so I replaced it along with the flexible hose. The brakes were recently replaced and in great shape so nothing further was required outside of a fluid flush and adjustment. All the electrical items appear to be working but the turn signal switch is a bit wonky and should probably be replaced. The front end is super tight (kingpins, ie rod ends, teering rack, tc.) and I drained and renewed the oil in the Armstrong shocks which work properly. It drives out great without any abnormal tracking or darting on the road but the a-arm bushings are ready for renewal (I will include a complete front and rear urethane kit with the sale). The driver's rear wheel bearing is a bit noisy and should probably be replaced as well. No issues with the cooling system and the heater valve works but the air selector rotary knob freewheels and will need to be sorted. The wire wheels are straight and true but I'm not a huge fan as tire choices are quite limited...cheap and easy to swap out the rear axle and front hubs so you could install a nice set of VTO, onig or Minilite reps to get a larger set of meats in contact with the road.

It had spent its life in CA & AZ and is completely free of rust anywhere and doesn't even show surface rust on its belly. Pretty incredible to find one without any prior rust repairs or in need of serious cancer treatment. In addition, here have not been any prior accident repairs so this is about as straight of a BGT you'll likely find. It appears to originally have been a Tartan Red car that the PO painted single stage Black with Red Stripes winter 13/14. While the paint is shiny and thick, t's definitely not a concourse job but an acceptable driver re-spray. The bumpers, ody trim, oor rubbers and quarter window rubbers were also replaced at that time. Personally, 'm not a huge fan of the red stripes and would consider wet sanding the top surfaces and deleting these stripes in the process as they were laid out on top of the black base...to each his own.

The interior was replaced during its restoration winter 13/14 as well utilizing new seat kits (Black w/ Red Piping), oordinating vinyl for the door panels/headliner and a new black carpet kit with underlayment package. Typical of the 68+ B's, he dash top had cracked and I have a new Dash Cap laying on it but not glued down yet as I had plans of converting to a steel dash. All in all, he interior presents very well and the only thing I would address would be to recover the center console and toss the radio.

All in all, his little BGT is extremely solid and ready for a new caring owner. If you are in the hunt for an MG to start playing with then look no further. No hidden "gotchas" here -- just a straight forward, echanically sound MG to pull into your garage and tinker with.

Dave

Also of note, have an excellent shipping resource that can get the MG moved anywhere in the US very inexpensively.