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It
started all with this car! Yes, this is the prototype MGB GT,
pictured in the Pininfarina studios in spring 1964. Pininfarina
did an excellent job here. Note that the prototype has frameless
rear quarterlights, "pull-out" door handles... |
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...
and no badge on the tailgate. Known as "Pininfarina MGB GT",
the prototype survived and is now owned by collector Syd Beer.
However, it's painted silver now and wears an MG badge... These
period mods were done for a Mrs. Malone, who was the first owner,
before she passed it toSyd Beer |
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Pictured
here is one of the first production cars. These early BGTs with
the soft-shaped rear lights, no reverse lights and the large badge
look definitly best. What a beauty!
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The
BGT was presented to the public at Earls Court Motor Show in October
1965. The show car is RHD, wearing WW-tyres |
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BGT
Mk I production line in the Pressed Steel Fisher plant at Swindon.
The Tourer was painted and trimmed at another plant in Coventry. |
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In
December 1966, Abingdon built this BGT, registered LBL 591E, to
be raced in Sebring 1967. Driven by Paddy Hopkirk and Andrew Hedges,
it made a 11th overall, even winning its "Prototype"
class. The best: The original car is still among us |
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Official
press photo from the 1966 publicity campaign, introducing the
MGB GT in the United States. |
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Official
press shot from 1968, introducing the MGB GT Mk II - like mine,
fitted with the then new US spec "Abingdon pillow"
dashboard. 1968 was important to MG in that it saw the introduction
of special MGB versions for the US-american market, due to their
stupid "safety regulations". These cars also came
with the well-know "emission equipment", basically
an engine-driven air injection pump. I dumped mine, of course...
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The
BGT sold like hot cakes, so May 1971 saw the 250.000th GT leaving
the assembly line in Abingdon. Standing alongside is George Turnbull,
then Managing Director of Morris. The famous "Old Number
One" is just visible |
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One
of the two men who made the GT version of the MGB possible: This
is Syd Enever... |
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...and
here we have John Thornley, pictured outside his home with his
1973 BGT automatic, later fitted with V8 alloy wheels. Note "MG
I" plate |
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In
1963 - one year before the prototype and two years before the
official launch of the BGT, Jacques Coune from Brussels built
this "MGB Berlinette". Made of steel and GRP, this gorgeous
looking car was produced over three years, with a total production
of no more than 56 cars. Today, just about 12 MGB Berlinettes
survived... |
With
LENHAM hardtop and original tailgate, this MGB is converted to
a DIY-BGT. I like the looks, only the cow seems not to be impressed.
I found this photo in Classic
& Sports Car, issue March 2004. |
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HERON
PLASTIC's GTB, another MGB fastback conversion, also found in
Classic
& Sports Car, issue March 2004.
If you have any infos, photos ore links to pages about these great-looking
cars, please drop
me a line... |
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...as
Jonas did, who rescued
an original HERON PLASTIC's hardtop from being scrapped...
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..but
as Jonas has never owned an MGB, he sold the hardtop to his friend
Mats Pålsson. What a great rare find! Hope to this this
hardtop back on an MGB!
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The
famous split-model BGT, now on display at the Motor Heritage
Center at Gaydon, was build for the 1965 Earls Court show, but
- being steadily modified - was displayed at various exhibitions
over the years.
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Beautifully
rallye-prepared BGT, which took part in the London-Sydney run
2001
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How
far can you go with your BGT? This hot-rod here once was a beautiful
GT, before a US-enthusiast put a V8 in, and modified the bodywork
a bit... Well, at least it looks interesting |
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