By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
A little over 60 years ago the British Motor Corporation brought us the Pininfarina-styled MGB GT.
This hardtop coupe offered more interior room and good boot space when compared to the earlier MGB roadster (launched in 1962) and came with the bonus of a rear bench seat.
The MGB GT made its debut at the London Motor Show in 1965 and came powered with same 1.8 litre B-Series engine found in the open top roadster.
Over the next 15 years, 125,282 MGB GT models were built. A V8 version, fitted with a light alloy 3.5 litre Rover engine with Laycock overdrive, was manufactured from 1973 to 1976.
These are fabulous cars. If you are looking for an affordable and practical British sports car take a good look at the MGB GT (and indeed its sibling, the MGB).
A common site at classic car shows, both ‘GT’ and ‘B’ models offer a punchy driving experience, good handling, smooth transition through the gears and widely available parts.
If you’re tall the GT gives you more long-legged comfort and a taller windscreen compared to the B.
When it comes to second-hand prices the GT is generally cheaper than the open-top roadster. The rarer V8-powered MGB GT is more expensive (only 2,591 were made), whilst the rubber bumper Bs ( introduced in 1974) tend to be less popular.
Whichever you choose, these are fun cars and, if well maintained, just as usable 60 years on!
In part 2 at my look at the MGB GT, I hear first hand from a West Yorkshire owner about his experience restoring a 1980-registered model.