Lot 317: 1973 MG BGT

Designed in-house at MG, with final styling by Farina, the new MGB was launched at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show. Its appeal was instant, offering a huge increase in interior space while having overall dimensions less than those of the MGA. Capacity was enlarged from 1,622cc to 1,798cc and, via twin SU carburettors, it developed a respectable 94bhp at 5,400rpm and 107lb/ft at 3,500rpm which, allied to a four speed gearbox, allowed the handsome new MG to achieve 0-60mph in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 105mph. Universally acclaimed, the MGB was to become a symbol of the Swinging Sixties. And as with all MGs, it was soon very active in competition. After an inauspicious two car entry at Sebring in 1963, an Abingdon works car won its class and finished 12th overall in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the same year, courtesy of Paddy Hopkirk and Alan Hutcheson. The first major change came in September 1964 - a hardtop and overdrive had become options in January 1963 - when the engine was revised with five rather than three main bearings and the previously optional oil cooler became standard;. At the same time outputs rose to 95bhp at 5,250rpm and, the already good torque, to ll0lb/ft at 3,000rpm. The example offered here has been meticulously maintained over the years with no time or expense spared on its upkeep. Although two owners are registered, TPH 250M was only sold last year to the vendor due to ill health. So (almost) one owner! Further careful inspection shows absolutely no evidence of its years and its overall appearance firmly falls into the 'museum quality' category. Additional period after-market improvements have been added. These include a well-installed ammeter and voltmeter to the right of the steering column, a Kenlowe fan, the rarely seen MG silent travel kit, an oil cooler and map light. The MG has also been Waxoyl'd from new and comes with assorted spares. It should also be noted that this sporting icon has just 46,482 recorded and all the accompanying MoT test certificates confirm this. Documentation includes parts catalogues, original owner's pack, workshop manuals and many invoices for maintenance. The stainless steel exhaust system even has the paper parts label still attached to the silencer! Finished in white with brown interior, this time warp example has clearly been adored by its owner and, it is hoped, will be by future keepers to come.