Distinctive 1977 MGB GT Arrives at The Forge Following Extensive Restoration and Recent Investment

A distinctive 1977 MGB GT has arrived at The Forge, bringing with it an interesting history, a striking colour transformation and a specification that sets it apart from more traditional examples of the British classic.

The car was manufactured between 27th April and 2nd May 1977, according to its British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, before being dispatched on 5th May to MG dealer Dutton Forshaw Limited in Liverpool. When new, it was finished in Flamenco Red with Silver Grey interior trim and specified with both overdrive and Rostyle wheels. Its original registration was MWM 930S, although the cherished registration GTB 624B was subsequently assigned in 2020.

Believed to have been taken off the road in the early 2000s for restoration, the MGB GT remained absent from the road for almost two decades before returning in 2018. Its first MOT test following this lengthy period coincided with the completion of its restoration, which saw the car undergo a significant visual transformation. The original Flamenco Red paintwork was replaced with the rather striking Aston Martin Indian Green Metallic, giving the car a distinctive appearance that continues today.

The MGB GT was subsequently offered for sale by Sudbury-based dealer Two-One BH Ltd in 2022, achieving a sale price of £24,950. Since then, a further £14,500 has reportedly been invested, adding to the work already carried out during its earlier restoration.

Today, the car presents as a particularly individual interpretation of the familiar MGB GT formula. Its Indian Green Metallic exterior is complemented by a bespoke green interior, while a number of additional features make this example a little different. These include fuel injection, wire wheels and overdrive, while under the bonnet, the engine bay is particularly impressive, having been finished to a notably high, show-quality standard.

There is also some interesting mechanical history to accompany the car, including the installation of a replacement Gold Seal engine by an MG dealer in 1989. The accompanying history file is another notable attraction, containing the original Heritage Certificate, printed photographs documenting the restoration and an extensive collection of invoices dating back to the early 1990s.

While its non-original colour scheme and bespoke specification may not appeal to the traditional MGB purist, there is no denying that this is a car with considerable character and individuality. Combining an interesting history, substantial restoration work and significant subsequent investment, this 1977 MGB GT offers a rather different take on one of Britain's best-loved classic sports cars.