V6-Powered 1970 MG MGB GT Five-Speed

Description

The fixed-roof MGB GT made its debut in October 1965 and remained in production until 1980, though its export to the U.S. ended in 1974. Designed by Pininfarina, the GT introduced a sporty "hatchback" style, featuring a sloping rear window seamlessly integrated with the rear deck lid. This innovative design combined the utility of a station wagon with the sleek shape of a coupe, offering ample luggage space and a 2+2 seating configuration with a right-angled rear bench seat. 

Following a 1968 merger, British Leyland started to exert its influence on the 1970 MGB, and the first thing to go was the classic vertical barred grille; it was replaced by a recessed grille with a chrome surround and new colored central badge. The rear bumper was split with the license plate between the halves — an experiment which lasted only one year, and U.S. cars had rubber inserts in the overriders. Despite sharing many components with the roadster variant, the MGB GT featured different suspension springs, anti-roll bars, and a more easily serviceable windscreen. 

This 1970 MG MGB GT is powered by a 3.4-liter V6 from a 1993-95 Camaro/Firebird, installed with a kit from MG Classic Conversions. 

Highlights

• This rust-free 1970 MG MGB GT underwent a full bare-metal rotisserie restoration beginning in 2004, with completion in 2009

• Refinished in original ’70 MGB GT Blue Royale paint over two-tone light brown/tan interior

• Factory 1.8-liter four cylinder was swapped for a 1994 GM 3.4-liter sequential fuel injection V6 rated at 160 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque

• Five-speed Tremac T5 manual transmission 

• 15 inch, 72 spoke chrome wire wheels 

• Leather Fiero heated bucket seats with MG logo 

• Cruise control added 

• MG door panels with Fiero door pulls and courtesy lights 

• Aftermarket self-dimming rearview mirror with digital compass 

• 1980 MGB dashboard painted to match interior 

• Professionally tinted front and side windows 

• The chassis number (GHD5UA188827G) decodes as: 

  • G – MG  

  • H – 1.8-liter BMC B Series engine 

  • D – GT 

  • 5 – Mk3 

  • U – U.S. left-hand drive  

  • A – 1969-70 

  • 188827G – Sequential production number 

Features

• Two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe 

• New windshield 

• Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 185/165R15 88H tires 

• EBC Greenstuff front disc brake pads 

• Leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel 

• Sony AM/FM/CD/USB stereo with dual 6-inch rear speakers and dual 4-inch front speakers 

• Woodgrain center console with cup holders 

• Original MGB dash instrumentation: 

  • 120-mph speedometer  

  • Tachometer (modified to work with V6) 

  • Fuel level 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Coolant temperature 

  • Analog clock 

  • Warning lights for beam, ignition, hazard, brakes 

• Air conditioning 

• Power door locks 

• Air horns 

• New aluminum radiator 

• Hidden storage bin replaces rear seat 

• Manual windows 

• Vent windows 

• Cigar/cigarette lighter 

• Rear defroster  

• Color-coded carpet in rear hatch 

• Bar behind front compartment to keep objects from sliding forward 

• Roof-integrated third brake light 

• Custom wiring harness with full schematics and documentation 

• OBD diagnostic port 

• Electric system cutoff switch mounted behind passenger seat 

• Fender-mounted passenger side mirror 

• V6 badge has been added to the rear 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips up front 

• Paint chip/crack on hood the size of a dime 

• Tachometer needle sticks on initial startup (slight tap or engine rev will free it) 

• CD has been played infrequently and needs to be restarted, as it sometimes displays an error message 

• Second power-lock key fob may need new battery 

• Spots on seat 

• Small dent in grille surround 

• No key for glove box 

Included 

• Spare tire: Michelin RainForce MX4 175R14 88T 

• Jack 

• Spare in-tank electric fuel pump 

• Spare ignition coil pack 

• Two sets of keys 

• GM Camaro/Firebird 1993-98 Repair Manual 

• The Complete Official MGB 1962-1974 Driver’s Handbook 

Ownership History 

The owner of this 1970 MG MGB GT purchased the car in 2004, had it fully restored, and it has been meticulously cared for in the 20 years since. The true mileage is unknown, as a few speedometers were utilized to find one that indicated accurate speed and mileage with the V6. During the summer months, this car has traveled to many car shows around the U.S. and Canada. It recently completed trips to Michigan and participated in Hagerty's "Lap the Lake" road rally.