1981 MGB GT LE

Description

Offered in our Weekly Online Classics Auction - ends every Thursday at 7pm
Guide: £4,500-5,500 plus fees
For more information please visit [Website URL removed] or call [Phone number removed]


Year: 1981

Make: MG

Model: MGB GT LE

Registration: DCA 270X

Odometer: 19,705

Engine: 1798cc

Transmission: Manual

MOT: Last MOT 2010

HPI: clear

Location: Cheshire

The 1981 MGB GT LE (Limited Edition) holds a special place in British motoring history as the very last of the MGBs. Produced to mark the end of MGB production at the Abingdon factory, the GT LE was a farewell tribute to one of Britain’s most beloved sports cars. With its unique specification and limited numbers, it has become a highly desirable collector’s item today.

The MGB needs little introduction; first introduced in 1962, it became one of the most popular sports cars of its time, over its 18-year production run, more than half a million were built, with the GT hatchback version—styled by Pininfarina—arriving in 1965.

By the early 1980s, however, the MGB was showing its age, tighter U.S. emissions and safety regulations, coupled with financial struggles at British Leyland, led to the decision to end production and to mark the occasion, MG released the Limited Edition models in 1980–81.

The MGB GT LE is especially significant, not only because it represents the final chapter of MGB production, but because only 580 GT examples were ever built (alongside 4200 LE roadsters), these cars are extremely rare and increasingly sought after.

The LE’s were produced with:

Exterior Colour: Pewter Metallic (exclusive to the GT LE)
Trim: Silver-grey stripes with “LE” logos
Wheels: Distinctive 14-inch alloy wheels
Interior: Grey cloth seats with red piping
Engine: 1.8L B-Series inline-four (95 bhp)
Performance: 0–60 mph in around 12 seconds, top speed ~100 mph
Special Touches: LE badging and numbered plaques signifying its limited status
While mechanically unchanged from standard MGBs, the GT LE stood out thanks to its unique styling and trim, making it instantly recognisable.

Recently taken out of long term storage and subject to a mechanical recommission, including oil and filter change, it starts on the key, idles upto temperature and off choke well and holds the correct oil pressure. Running driving and stopping as it should its now ready for final recommissioning works to be returned to the road, its even been fitted with brand new Hankook tyres all round.

It presents well all round, the seats show no rips or tears and the dashboard and instrument cluster are in super condition, as are the door cards, carpets, boot and spare wheel well. We think this is a great use or improve example with a couple of small areas of paint bubbling that could be corrected to make perfect; please see photos and video for more detail. It is sold with a current and correct V5.

Collectors and enthusiasts prize these not only for their limited status but also for their historical importance as the last MG’s produced at Abingdon before the factory’s closure, but the MGB GT LE is more than just a car—it’s a milestone in MG history, with its distinctive styling, limited numbers, and status as the last of the MGBs, it represents the closing chapter of one of the most successful sports cars ever built.

Ad ID: 1502493445

Exact specification may vary from the details on this page. Please contact the seller to reconfirm any details before purchasing. See Terms & Conditions for further information.