Only 125,618 GTs were produced in the model's 1966-1974 production run -out of 512,802 MGBs between 1962 and 1980. The Abingdon team initially struggledwith the design, so a roadster was dispatched to Turin in early 1964 forCarrozzeria Pininfarina to have a go. The famous Italian designers managed aconversion of such elegance that many rate the GT prettier than the roadster.Other than that sleek roof and tailgate, the most obvious change was the tallerwindshield, making it easier to get in and out than the roadster. The raisedwindscreen height and side windows mean that there is a realistic amount ofheadroom for those in the front. It’s got lots of leg-room, elbow- room andreclining seats. The GT handles lots more luggage than the roadster. Pop-openrear windows provide excellent ventilation for those days when you really wishfor air-conditioning. The MGB wasone of the first cars to feature a lightweight unitized body with crumple zones.It has disk brakes up front and precise rack-and-pinion steering. The engine isa torquey little pushrod mill with two valves per cylinder. Once you’re behindthe wheel of the MGB GT you realize that the engineers at British Leyland knewwhat they were doing. The GT is a pleasure to drive. It’s quick, nimble andsmooth. The engine growls and pulls like an English bulldog. Steering is lightand precise. The ride is smooth and body lean is minimal. This one is about asrust-free as you will find, with extensive mechanical restoration. With only12,000 miles on the rebuilt engine and the Datsun 280Z 5-speed gearbox, this oneis ready to drive with confidence and pride. It cruises comfortably at modernhighway speed, turning only about 2,6oo rpm at 60 mph.
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