1974 MG B GT

This resplendent race car – complete with and entrant in the Triumph competition – is offered for sale from our new European division. It’s located in Frankfurt, southwest Germany. The sharp-eyed among you will have already noticed that this MGB GT is a right-hand drive model. That’s because it was originally supplied to the UK (Ealing in fact) and spent the majority of its near-fifty-year existence in Blighty. It wasn’t until 2009 that it found its way to Germany.

Even before it went abroad, this car was already a racer. In fact, there’s a receipt in the service history for a roll cage installation way back in 1981; when the car was just seven years old. Various stickers, plaques and numbers indicate that this car has kept campaigning ever since and, according to the vendor, has raced across Europe and the UK at famous tracks including Spa, Hockenheim and Zandvoort.

Even without the stickers, Mini-Lite (lookalike) alloys wheels and deep front splitter, it’s hard to miss this MGB. The colour scheme is, in fact, one of the few aspects of this car that stays true to its original specification. A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate – included in the history file – confirms it has always been painted Blaze orange. It’s a fabulous shade that could only come from the swagger of 1970s Britain.

The paint remains highly-presentable with a deep shine that’s somewhat rare for a car that’s lead such a long life in competition. The centre stripe suits this racing aesthetic as does the somewhat crudely finished front splitter (no doubt touched up a few times). It’s had a few grazes here and there, one giveaway (though it could just be Leyland build quality) is the fact that the bonnet pinches the nearside front wing. It’s clearly a seasoned campaigner of classic sports car racing so you can forgive it the odd imperfection.

This GT comes with a near new set of Minator 15-inch alloy wheels, shod in equally fresh set of semi-slick Toyo Proxes R888 tyres. All of the glass – with the exception of the structurally-important windscreen – has all been replaced with lightweight polycarbonate. Sliders allow ventilation to the front with additional holes cut in the rear quarters for same.

Though this car wouldn’t have had rubber bumpers (it missed that horror by seven months) both front and rear bumpers have been deleted; the former making the most of airflow up front via additional brake cooling vents. Weight saving has been taken to a fairly serious level and, according to the vendor, this GT now weighs under 900kg. Drag is reduced by a set of handsome Sebring-type headlamp cowls. It certainly looks the part and we’ve little doubt that it’s a real weapon on track.

As you’d expect for a full-on racer, there’s not a lot left of the cabin’s creature comforts. Not that an MGB GT was particularly decadent to begin with. There’s a new, solitary Sparco Sprint seat for the driver with an in-date four-point harness attached to keep you firmly at the helm. Original equipment is limited to the speedo dial, a wiper switch in the middle of the dash, a heater vent or two and the gearstick and that’s about it.

The mandated racing safety equipment is in place, including that same Safety Devices roll cage that was fitted way back in 1981. To keep the scrutineers happy, there’s also a plumbed-in fire extinguisher in the passenger footwell and a master battery cut-off. Both of which are controlled by external levers in the scuttle. Door cards consist of sheets of aluminium and the same metal is used to house a limited amount of fuel in the racing tank.

This car has been extensively developed for competition with the vendor reporting that after a recent camshaft and exhaust swap – plus work to optimise the 45DCOE carburettor – the engine now makes a reliable 145bhp. Again, according to the vendor, in preparation for the 2019 season, all of the car’s wiring was refreshed along with its fuel lines. The boot-mounted fuel tank was inspected as well and given the thumbs up. He also points out that the transmission has been upgraded to a period homologation correct Ford five speed. The battery has also been upgraded to a lightweight lithium alternative.

From our inspection, the underside appeared to be well protected with underseal and metal work appeared solid. Though in a few areas there’s some surface corrosion poking out, however we couldn’t locate any holes. Everything looked pretty straight and sound.

As mentioned earlier, there’s not a lot in the way of German history. The car has been registered and was apparently driven once on the streets, though the vendor warns that you need to be pretty confident as it draws plenty of attention. It’s loud and bright orange so you probably could have guessed that already.

The car does have a few bits of paperwork from its UK life. A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate shows that it was originally supplied to Kennings Car Mart in Ealing North London on the 20th of March 1974 – built between the 13th and the 15th of March. 

The fact this MGB GT has been raced for most of its life and yet remains in one (admittedly handsome) piece is surely a greater testament to its preparation than we could write here. The vendor and the previous German owner have clearly taken that prep to the next level. Lightening the car to the maximum allowable point while upping the ponies to make this lively little coupe a real competition contender, just like its Sebring stunning forebears. For that reason alone, we’re confident that it’ll hit its €20,000 - €30,000 estimate.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located in Frankfurt, Germany. 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’.