12th Nov, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1979 MGB GT
***NO RESERVE*** Three-keeper example, currently displaying just 49,553 miles from new
Registration - BET 388T
Chassis No - GHD5-487374G
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 49,553
This late model GT has had just three keepers since it vacated the Abingdon production line in early 1979. We understand the second owner was an elderly lady who used the MG daily from 1983 to 2020, which is when the car was acquired by the vendor – he apparently continued to store it in her garage so she could retain an association with it. During his tenure it has benefited from a new oil filter, fuel pump and fan belt, and he presently classes the paintwork as ‘excellent’, and the B Series engine, four-speed manual gearbox (which has overdrive, but it’s not currently functioning), bodywork and black and grey cloth interior trim as ‘good’. According to VDI Check, ‘BET 388T’ was originally finished in red and resprayed in its current shade of orange in 2003. The check also states that the car was unfortunately declared a Category D insurance write off in 2013. The MG is now being offered complete with a massive lever arch history file full of invoices, old MOTs and other items of paperwork dating back to when the car was new. The MOT record appears to support the modest indicated total milage of 49,553.
Following its replacement of the MGA in 1962, the MGB was steadily updated during its 18-year reign. The MKII of 1967 brought a superior manual gearbox with revised ratios and synchromesh on all gears, as well as the option of a Borg Warner automatic unit. In 1969, Rostyle wheels replaced the previous pressed steel version for standard fit. With the MKIII derivative of 1972 came a new facia and improved heater. However, by far the biggest visual change in the car’s history occurred two years later, when steel reinforced rubber bumpers replaced the chrome ones and the ride height was raised by one inch in deference to the American market, where 80 percent of MGB sales were made. By the time GT production ceased in October 1980, a total of 125,282 had been produced.
In summary:
- A three-keeper example currently displaying 49,553 miles from new
- Comes complete with a massive history file
- Declared a Category D insurance write off in 2013
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £1,969
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - BET 388T
Chassis No - GHD5-487374G
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 49,553
This late model GT has had just three keepers since it vacated the Abingdon production line in early 1979. We understand the second owner was an elderly lady who used the MG daily from 1983 to 2020, which is when the car was acquired by the vendor – he apparently continued to store it in her garage so she could retain an association with it. During his tenure it has benefited from a new oil filter, fuel pump and fan belt, and he presently classes the paintwork as ‘excellent’, and the B Series engine, four-speed manual gearbox (which has overdrive, but it’s not currently functioning), bodywork and black and grey cloth interior trim as ‘good’. According to VDI Check, ‘BET 388T’ was originally finished in red and resprayed in its current shade of orange in 2003. The check also states that the car was unfortunately declared a Category D insurance write off in 2013. The MG is now being offered complete with a massive lever arch history file full of invoices, old MOTs and other items of paperwork dating back to when the car was new. The MOT record appears to support the modest indicated total milage of 49,553.
Following its replacement of the MGA in 1962, the MGB was steadily updated during its 18-year reign. The MKII of 1967 brought a superior manual gearbox with revised ratios and synchromesh on all gears, as well as the option of a Borg Warner automatic unit. In 1969, Rostyle wheels replaced the previous pressed steel version for standard fit. With the MKIII derivative of 1972 came a new facia and improved heater. However, by far the biggest visual change in the car’s history occurred two years later, when steel reinforced rubber bumpers replaced the chrome ones and the ride height was raised by one inch in deference to the American market, where 80 percent of MGB sales were made. By the time GT production ceased in October 1980, a total of 125,282 had been produced.
In summary:
- A three-keeper example currently displaying 49,553 miles from new
- Comes complete with a massive history file
- Declared a Category D insurance write off in 2013
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 12th Nov, 2023
Our November auction of classic and performance cars
Viewing Days:
Saturday 11th November,12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 12th November, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
