The MGB/GT was a hatchback 2+2 coupe version of the MGB Roadster, designed for BMC by Pininfarina in Italy, which first came onto the market in 1965, four years after the roadster debuted. Although it was heavier than the roadster, leading to poorer acceleration, the new design proved more aerodynamic leading to a slightly higher top speed. The MGB was MG’s first unibody sports car, featuring an enlarged variant of the B-Series 4 cylinder engine, boosted to 1800cc. A year before the introduction of the MGB/GT, the engine was further upgraded to a 5 main bearing design, and shortly after, an all synchro gearbox and a Salisbury/Dana style rear axle replacing the banjo style previously fitted and carried over from the MGA. Production of the MGB/GT continued until the end of the MGB in 1980, going through several facelifts and changes, especially for the American market. Due to emissions and new safety regulations. The final few years of production varied most with large rubber bumpers fitted, sculpted into the nose on the front giving the car a bit more of a wedge shape, but generally being less desirable due to the added weight and strangling emissions systems fitted. The MGB and MGB/GT went on to become one of the best selling British cars on the American market and continues to be one of the most popular British classics amongst American owners. This MGB/GT was originally Pale Primrose yellow and received an exterior repaint shortly before we purchased the car, still showing the original colour in the engine compartment. Being a 1970 model, it features some of the updates for safety and emissions of North American market cars, such as the redesigned padded dashboard, but sits at a point before significant power losses due to emissions equipment and engine changes started to negatively impact the car’s output. This car was for sale at the swap meet after the All British Field Meet in Portland, Oregon and Amy instantly fell in love with it. The body and paint was acceptable and mechanically, the car was in pretty good condition and the car had the optional and very desirable electric overdrive unit fitted, making it an ideal candidate for the collection. After we purchased the car, I refinished the interior, reupholstering the seats with a set of non-original but upgraded leather covers and had the bumpers rechromed. I also fitted or replaced missing and damaged trim, as well as converted the car from a steel wheel car to a wire wheel car, fitting the proper, slightly narrower rear axle in the process. These cars are a lot of fun to drive and can be incredibly reliable, which along with surprisingly good parts support, makes them perhaps an ideal first classic for most people. The GT variant is still practical enough, especially with the overdrive, to be driven daily. The only downside is they are generally not ideal for very short drivers, as the seat can only move so far forward due to constriction around the transmission tunnel, making it difficult for a short driver to fully depress the clutch without modification to the pedals.