1965 MG MGB

Tourer Convertible

1800 GB Series Motor, Numbers Matching

5-Speed T-9 Transmission

GHN3L/56221

Clear

Gasoline

1965 MG MGB Tourer VIN: GHN3L/56221 (built in January 1965) This pull-handle MG is finished in an Old English White Exterior and features a Black with White Piped Interior; the original color combination for the car as documented per the British Motor Heritage Trust (BMHT) certificate. It has been highly maintained to appear as original as possible, but does feature several upgrades, including a 5 speed transmission and electronic ignition. I originally found this car in Florida in the spring of 2004. The body was incredibly solid- floors, sills, battery boxes, firewall, front & rear fenders, trunk floor, etc.). I began investigating the mechanicals. The car ran, but had not seen much recent driving when I acquired it. To make the car fully roadworthy, I replaced the generator and the carburetors with brand new SU units, along with several components in the braking system. During the winter of 2004-2005 I embarked on a full engine rebuild (0.20+ rebore with new pistons & rings, new main and rod bearings, camshaft, reground crankshaft, rebuilt cylinder head with new valves and guides, etc.). During my period of ownership, the car has received a major mechanical reconditioning of all of its subsystems, including clutch, brakes, fuel, front and rear suspension, new wire wheels and tires as well as most of the consumables (ignition parts, motor and transmission mounts, cooling system hoses with original-style wire hose clamps, driveshaft u-joints, etc.). The interior (seats, carpet, panels) has also been completely replaced, as has the convertible top (upgraded with black Everflex). The MG has 4 new Dunlop style wire wheels as well as Michelin XAS (original series 165/80) replacement tires from Coker Tire. The MG is stored during the winter and was never driven in snow during my ownership. This MG is documented on the MG Experience.net Registry here: http://www.mgexperience.net/registry/GHN3L56221 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Engine/Overdrive Transmission/Drivetrain Engine (18GBUH8740) idles smooth at 750 rpm and pulls strongly throughout the rev range in every gear. The engine was completely rebuilt over the winter of 2004-2005. Oil and filter changes every 2000 miles/once per driving season since that time. Car was converted to a spin-on oil filter housing prior to my ownership. Transmission and Differential oil periodically changed as needed. BMHT certificate reflects this engine as original to the car. Oil pressure: 75-80 lbs of pressure at highway speeds, 55-60 at hot idle. Carburetors: New, correct dual SU HS4 carbs (AUD 135) supplied by Burlen Fuel Systems were installed in 2004. Distributor: Original, correct distributor (Lucas #40987) rebuilt and recurved for performance by Advanced Distributors, who also supplied the brass terminal cap and special nonarching (red) rotor and ignition wires. Pertronix electronic ignition has been installed- this unit fits under the distributor cap and there are no external control boxes, etc. in the engine bay. Starter Motor: Original Benedix-style starter motor replaced with completely rebuilt and overhauled unit. Generator: Generator has been replaced; works perfectly. Cooling System: Original back-fill radiator recored with an up rated 4 Row core for increased cooling efficiency. In addition, thermostat has been replaced with a 160 deg. Unit and all cooling hoses were replaced. Cooling system routinely back flushed every couple of seasons. 5-speed Transmission: I installed a 5-speed T9 at the time the engine was rebuilt. The 5-speed was supplied by John Esposito at Quantum Mechanics in CT and is the same unit supplied by Moss Motors under part number 440-075 at $3000. The transmission shifts smoothly through each gear. 2nd and 3rd gears in particular offer more versatility for around town driving. Exhaust: Falcon stainless steel exhaust was also installed at the time of the engine rebuild which produces a nice mellow note on acceleration without any tinny sound at highway speeds. Driveshaft u-joints, steering shaft u-joint, engine mounts and transmission mounts replaced. Fuel pump replaced with an original style SU points type. Gas tank replaced with an original style tank retained to the body with the 2 leather straps, as original. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Interior The MG’s interior has been completely renovated and looks spectacular. Moss Motors Leather Seats in the original pattern (black with white piping) completely rebuilt with new foam and diaphragm. Matching interior panels (including door top cap covers and rear cockpit surround cover) and Deluxe black carpet kit, both from Moss Motors. Sill covers have been renewed with the original-style rubber pieces. Transmission cover (passenger side) is the original rubber piece. Original banjo steering wheel. Dash has been powder coated in the original wrinkle finish black. Maintains the proper dash-layout with no extra cut outs (although the dash does have a cut out for a factory overdrive switch). Replacement Smith’s Oil/Water temperature gauge, as original. All switches (lights, wipers, heater turn signals, horn) work. Turn signal switch was replaced with a NOS unit; much more robust than aftermarket switches. AMCO style rubber floor mats. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Brakes Car pulls up steady and evenly in short order with no pulling to either side. No pulsating from the pedal. All 3 flex hoses replaced. Brake master cylinder replaced (retains the original style metal reservoir) Rear shoes and front pads replaced. Rear wheel cylinders replaced. Emergency brake cable replaced. Rear Hub seals replaced. Rear brakes routinely adjusted. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Clutch Clutch engages and disengages each gear without issue. Clutch master cylinder replaced (retains the original style metal reservoir) Clutch slave cylinder and flex hose replaced. Clutch disc, cover and pressure plate replaced at time engine rebuilt and 5-speed transmission installed. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Steering & Suspension Suspension is very taut without being too harsh. The MG has a smooth, even ride and good steering feedback. Probably a combination of the renovated suspension bushings, shocks all around, the Michelin XRS tires (new issue from Coker tire, purchased in 2007) mounted and balanced on new 60-spoke painted wire wheels. Front Suspension Rebuilt lever shocks from Worldwide Imports, Inc. A-arms (upper and lower) bushings replaced with Prothane polyurethane bushings. A-arms replaced with new units, which were powder coated along with the spring pans for durability. Kingpins rebuilt (no play or wobble), full suspension lube (including e-brake cable) every 1500 miles. Front coil springs replaced. Steering Sway-bar mount bushings replaced. Tie rod ends replaced. Steering column u-joint replaced. Alignment: Toe is adjusted as per factory manual. Rear Suspension Rebuilt lever shocks from Worldwide Imports, Inc. Bushings (center pads, rear eyelets) replaced with Prothane polyurethane bushings. Ubolts securing rear leaf spring to axle replaced. Car sits at uniform and level position (no bachelor lean). _____________________________________________________________________________________ Electrical The MG’s main and rear wiring harnesses were completely rewired with a new, correct braided wiring harness from Moss Motors. All lights (headlights, parking lights, brake lights, even the dash map light) and signals work. Turn signal switch replaced with a NOS unit sourced from a swap meet. The MG is currently fitted with original style Lucas sealed beam headlights (with the 'Lucas' name in the center). _____________________________________________________________________________________ Brightwork All major chrome pieces thoroughly renovated or replaced. Front and rear bumpers rechromed; Front and rear over-riders replaced. All minor chrome pieces (license light unit housings, tail light rims, glove box chrome strip, etc.) were polished and show no rust or major flaws. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Wheels & Tires 4 new 14" Dunlop style painted wire wheels as originally delivered on the car. Michelin XAS tires (new reproductions from Coker Tire) in the original 165/80 series profile. Car runs straight and true at highway speeds. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Top & Covers Fitted with an original-style pack-away, black Everflex top with gray interior (underside), as original. This top features a zip out rear window for added utility and flexibility. Pack-away frame and tonneau bars have been powder coated in the original gray color. Original black (with white stitching and zipper trim) tonneau cover (aftermarket replacements are all black). Storage bags for the top (vinyl), top frame and tonneau bars (both hardura exterior with jute interior), as original. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Books and Records I have obtained the BMHT certificate for the car, which is included in the sale. The certificate notes the original color combination of Old English White (OEW) exterior/ Black Interior/ Black Top and the original engine number (18GBUH8740) which matches the motor fitted to the car. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Photos Additional photos of the exterior, interior, engine bay and under carriage may be viewed on Photobucket at the following link: http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y212/MMugherini/1965%20MGB%20-%20For%20Sale/ Please contact me if there are additional shots or angles you would like to see and I will take them.