Footnotes

The popularity of factory hardtops for its MGA predecessor and the success of the Coupé variant influenced the decision to produce a closed version of the MGB, which would provide the increased practicality and refinement being demanded by the maturing sports car market. Styled by Pininfarina, the MGB GT Coupé arrived in 1965 to be greeted by universal acclaim. The adoption of a stylish fastback bodyshell enabled the provision of two occasional rear seats which, when folded flat, created a generous load platform accessible via the rear tailgate. The more robust five-bearing B-Series engine was fitted to the GT right from the start, and when the Abingdon production lines finally stopped rolling, over 125,000 MGB GTs had been built. The popularity of the MGB - both the Coupé and Roadster versions - remains undiminished, one of the major factors being the continuing availability of spare parts and expertise, making it one of the easiest of classic sports cars to run and maintain.

This MGB GT was purchased by the current vendor in 1989. He commenced a restoration before deciding to entrust the project to Rees Brothers in Aldershot, who duly completed the full 'last nut and bolt' rebuild in 2006 at a cost of £47,000-plus (copy invoices available). A Heritage 'shell was not considered good enough quality, so the original body was rebuilt by hand using as many of the original panels as possible (ie: those that were perfect). The body was completely under-sealed as it was being rebuilt, and then finished in Damask Red two-pack. Although not an original colour for 1966, it was considered nicer than Tartan Red, which was correct for that year.

A completely reconditioned engine and gearbox were installed while the rear axle was considered good enough to be reused, as was the steering rack. New carburettors and filters were fitted, and all hydraulics replaced. The interior was left untouched, as it was leather trimmed and in good condition. The dashboard and headlining were replaced, and the car completely rewired, etc. Reversing lights and a heated rear screen are the only notified deviations from factory specification.

The MG has covered fewer than 1,000 dry-weather-only miles since the rebuild's completion in 2006. It remains in exactly the same condition as when handed over by Rees Brothers, having been kept in an air-conditioned garage. A desirable manual/overdrive model, 'DFB 860D' is offered with dating certificate, current MoT, a V5 registration document, and the aforementioned restoration invoices.