A lovely example of the much-loved chrome bumper MGB GT, finished in Glacier White with a contrasting original-style black interior, Minilite-style alloy wheels and overdrive gearbox.

This is a very solid, honest and well-presented example with an exceptional history file documenting its restoration, concours awards, maintenance and ownership over the years.

History and restoration

The car underwent an extensive bare-metal restoration in 1984 to concours standard, including a full respray. It subsequently won awards at MG Owners Club events, and the accompanying history file contains original concours judging sheets, certificates, correspondence, receipts and photographs documenting its past.

One previous owner cherished the vehicle for over 30 years, and it is clear that considerable care and attention have been lavished on it throughout its life.

The mileage is now just over 81,000, believed genuine and supported by the extensive history and documentation accompanying the car.

The history file really is a wonderful feature, with a substantial collection of invoices, restoration records, MG Owners Club documentation, period literature and other paperwork accumulated over many decades.

Bodywork and exterior

The bodywork is very solid, with good panel alignment and door gaps. The doors close well, with that reassuring, solid feel you expect from a well-maintained example.

The front and rear seams present well, and the underside has previously been described as solid, with no history of welding reported by the previous owner and none visible.

As you would expect from a 54-year-old classic, there are some small areas of surface corrosion and minor age-related paintwork imperfections, but overall this is a very attractive and honest example.

The Glacier White paintwork, chrome bumpers and Minilite-style alloy wheels make a particularly attractive combination. The wheels and tyres have recently been replaced all round and really set the car off.

In my opinion, the 1972 chrome bumper MGB GT is one of the best-looking versions of this iconic British sports car.

Engine, gearbox and driving

The engine starts readily, pulls strongly and has that lovely, throaty MGB exhaust note.

Oil pressure is excellent, the gearbox operates as it should and the overdrive engages correctly, making the car perfectly capable of keeping up with modern traffic and particularly enjoyable on longer journeys.

It drives very well and is a pleasure to take out on the road. Everything operates as it should, and it has the reassuring feel of a classic that has been cared for rather than neglected.

The combination of the 1.8-litre engine, manual gearbox and overdrive makes this a very usable classic, equally suited to weekend outings, classic car shows or regular enjoyment.

Interior

The interior retains its lovely period character, with black seats, traditional Smiths instrumentation and a beautiful wood-rim steering wheel.

The seats, dashboard, door cards and headlining are all in good order, presenting a very attractive and largely original-style cabin.

It is a wonderful place to sit, with all the charm and simplicity that makes these British classics so appealing.

Ownership and reason for sale

I purchased the car earlier this year for my father, who is a retired mechanic and has always appreciated classic British cars.

Unfortunately, he has found that, at his age, the MGB GT is no longer particularly comfortable for him to drive.

I seriously considered keeping it myself, as it really is a lovely car, but unfortunately I cannot provide the dry storage that a classic of this age deserves.

For that reason, I have reluctantly decided to offer it for sale.

Additional information

1972 MGB GT, chrome bumper model

Glacier White paintwork

1.8-litre petrol engine

Manual gearbox with overdrive

Just over 81,000 miles, believed genuine and supported by history

Extensive bare-metal restoration in 1984

Previous MG Owners Club concours award winner

Extensive history file with invoices, receipts, judging sheets and correspondence

Long-term previous ownership exceeding 30 years

Recently fitted Minilite-style alloy wheels and new tyres all round

Original-style black interior

Historic vehicle tax class – zero-rated vehicle tax

MOT exempt due to historic vehicle status

Solid, usable and enjoyable classic

This is not being presented as a freshly restored concours car, but rather as a very genuine, attractive and well-documented MGB GT that can be enjoyed immediately, with the usual minor imperfections associated with a vehicle of its age.

The history alone is fascinating and provides a wonderful insight into the care this car has received over the decades.

Viewings are very welcome and encouraged before purchasing. I would much rather a prospective buyer come and inspect the car, examine the extensive paperwork and satisfy themselves as to its condition.

A lovely example of a quintessential British classic, ready for its next enthusiast owner.

Based in Swansea, 5 Mins from Junction 45 of the M4