1973 MG B GT 1800 Ivor Searle

One of the defining features of this MG B GT is the original 1800cc four-cylinder engine, which has been restored by Ivor Searle. This car has ticked up just over 60,000 miles on the odometer. In the words of the vendor, “[This is a] fantastic driving example; it runs and drives brilliantly”. The car comes with a fairly new Ivor Searle engine, rebuilt suspension and front brakes. Though this car does need significant bodywork, it could hit the road straight away, as it has been consistently serviced and maintained. It comes with an extensive history of replaced parts, electronic ignition and is being sold with a car cover.

The exterior of the car is finished in Damask Red which was the new colour for the BGT V8 launched the same year of this car’s production, and is complemented by the original chrome bumpers, wing mirrors, and trim. The bodywork would benefit from a bit of love and attention to make this car twinkle. The car sits on a set of alloy wheels and the paintwork could do with some attention. The areas of bodywork worth flagging are the rust above the rear bumper, around the base of the rear screen and the peeling and bubbling paintwork on the rear wing on the driver’s side. This will need catching before it turns into something more serious. There are a couple of areas of gentle fade and the odd bubble, on the tailgate for example. It’s picked up the odd stone chip and small mark here and there. The car is sold with a fresh tailgate currently painted dark blue so when possible, it can be fitted and painted in the body colour.

The chromework would also benefit some attention, particularly the rear bumper and the front grille. The grille and badges were retrofitted by a previous owner to mimic an early Mk1 BGT which makes this 70s model look more classic than its original British Leyland era look.There is damage to the rear window on the driver’s side. Areas that can’t be refurbished with a dollop of Autosol and a healthy dose elbow polish could be replaced when time and funds allow.

The cabin generally is in good condition but could benefit from some TLC but is still an acceptable place to be. The black vinyl seats and carpets appear somewhat tired and there is damage to the door card on the passenger’s side. There is evidence of rust coming through the floor pan on the driver’s side which indicates that there may be an issue on the underside. There is also evidence of rust on the inside of the hood. The folding black Britax sunroof furls and unfurls easily, and appears to be tight and weatherproof when closed. The white headlining has fallen victim of rust marks but it is free of rips, tears and scuffs. The steering wheel is also off an earlier car, most likely a 1970 model which again gives a more elegant look to the original wheel which snapped a few years ago. A modern Pioneer sound system comes fitted in the car and according to the owner provides wonderful sound quality and makes a summer drive all the more enjoyable. Under the boot floor, the car also comes equipped with a spare wheel.

This engine is essentially an enlarged version of that used in the MGA with engine displacement being increased from 1,622 to 1,798 cc and it packs 87bhp. The MGB uses twin 1.5-inch (38 mm) SU carburettors and can achieve a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of just over 11 seconds. The integrity of the engine bay looks to be in fine order, there does not seem to be any evidence of leakage and everything looks to be in its right and proper place.

The car benefits from having fully rebuilt front suspension and brakes which was done during the first covid lockdown, entailing new shocks, V8 upgrade bushings all stripped, repainted and reassembled. The brake discs, pads and callipers plus braided hoses were also fitted at the time. Early last year some minor welding was done giving it a clean bill of health structurally which is supported by a fresh 12 month MOT when the car is sold.

The engine bay overall is in good condition with some surface rust on those old iron components, nothing some hammerite

can’t fix, the black Ivor Searle engine block gives an element of aggression. Being a Series 3, the car comes with a full synchromesh 4 speed manual gearbox with overdrive. This gearbox was based on that used in the MGA with some minor upgrades to cope with the additional output of the larger MGB engine. The Ivor Searle engine pulls really well and is incredibly torquey for what it is and proves incredibly rewarding to thrash down any road you point it at, the brakes bite

keenly and the car flows along brilliantly preferring long stretches with wide corners than tight and twisty bends, after all, it is a GT.

The boot floor is clean and solid underneath the carpet and spare wheel cover. The underside and drivetrain look tidy, though there is evidence of surface rust on the side sills and exhaust.

As previously mentioned, this car comes with an extensive history of replaced parts. The vendor spent the best part of £2500 on new parts and servicing - £1500 of which was spent back in 2013. This included work to the radiator and clutch among other things and it has been regularly serviced and maintained thereafter. The car had its last service in April last year and has been used sparingly since. As mentioned it comes with a full 12 months MOT showing she is fully roadworthy and ready to be enjoyed.

The market for MGBs might have softened a little in the past year or so but there are always plenty of potential buyers out there if the car is as solid and honestly presented. No, it’s not concours, but a little TLC would bring the car up leaps and bounds, and all of the stuff that needs doing could be accomplished by a half-decent weekend tinkerer rather than having to commission a series of specialists at vast cost. Speaking of cost, we estimate that this lovely little MGB GT will require a potential buyer to part with somewhere between £6,000 and £12,000 to make this car their own, which represents strong value for the new owner.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Twickenham, United Kingdom. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.