An American MGB Association's Queen B is the '69 Primrose
yellow B-GT of Bob and Anita Dortenzo from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Here is
the story:
Looking for the Next Valuable Classic
I have been buying, fixing and selling classic
imports as a hobby for many years. A '67 Volvo 122S, '67 Volvo 1800S, '74
Triumph TR-6, '80 Fiat Spider, '80 Mercedes 450SL just to name a few. The TR6
was an anniversary gift to my wife and remains in our possession. The others,
especially the 1800S, sadly to say were all sold. After the Mercedes went at
auction, I began looking for the next up and coming classic import and my
attention soon went to the MGB-GT. This unique little GT with its flowing design
and very useful configuration was designated as our next project. And the search
began.
After looking on Craigslist, Hemmings, and other
classic car sites I was fortunate to find one listed on the MG Experience
website. This 1969 Primrose yellow MGB-GT looked interesting and the price was
in our budget so I started conversations with the owner. The car was in New
Jersey and had a documented history which the owner was very willing to share.
He also kindly listed all the things that the car may need. I live in
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and the drive to Jersey was worth the traffic and the
tolls once I saw and drove this car. It didn’t take long for me to make an offer
that the owner accepted and the shipping arrangements were made before I
departed for home.
In a few days the GT was delivered and the work
started with the intention of entering it in to the Spring Carlisle Auction.
This car has many interesting options: wire wheels, overdrive, wood steering
wheel and air conditioning. The AC was removed long ago but the switch and vents
still exist as installed by the dealer in 1969. Cleaning, polishing, new tires,
fuel pump, heater valve, water pump, minor paint refinishing and a few other
odds and ends brought this sports car classic to local show quality and ready
for auction.
Well as we all know the Coronavirus hit and the
shows and auctions were postponed. All I could do was drive the GT and enjoy the
ride. My wife kept saying that she really loved the car and was happy it didn’t
go to auction. I also became more attached to it as time went by and decided to
keep it from the auctioneer’s gavel. More improvements are made each day as the
GT shares the garage with its cousin the TR6.
I believe that the MGB-GT will continue to increase
in value and become a valuable classic import in the future. Its style,
function, dependability, and fun to drive spirit will all contribute to future
collector desirability.
This one is not for sale.
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