1980 | MG MGB GT

Electric Vehicle conversions are probably one of the fiercest debated subject in the classic car community at the moment. Could 'electrifying' classics be a path to keep them on the road for the next 50 years, arguably only time will tell. Owning a classic is rarely about efficiency and speed but often more about experience, style and craftsmanship with their appeal not limited to car lovers but also lovers of engineering and design. They have their own personalities and part of the joy of ownership is found in club membership, associated meetings and friendship.

This MGB however is not powered by the conventional four-cylinder engine but has recently been converted by Sebring Works (formerly Vital Spark) from petrol to electric in January 2022 and confirmed as such by the DVLA. It now has a radical new electric power train as featured on the front cover of February 2024 edition of the MG Car Club Magazine as well as many other publications including Cotswolds Life. Now finished in Old English White and complemented by new red leather seats piped in white. It was restored to a high standard in 2020 with new panels all round as well as the retained Webasto sun-roof, upgraded brakes and suspension.

Whilst the manual gear shifter is still in situ, once the vehicle is in motion, it continues right up to its maximum speed, just shy of an impressive 100mph with no need to change. Dials exist on the dashboard to show charge, power and speed as well as a high-quality Pioneer head-end stereo unit. Charging takes place through a specialist port under the rear overrider with the main battery under the front bonnet. There is additional cooling in the shape of a handmade aluminium radiator with additional fan just in front of the main battery. The wheels are anodised alloy units all round fitted with high quality Uniroyal rubber.

The original drivetrain has been left intact save for the removal of the parts directly relating to the engine and petrol tank, this means that accessories such as general lighting, washer bottle, etc can be accessed as normal. A relay has been added to the brake pressure switch to allow a feed to the VCU (vehicle control unit) allowing regenerative braking with another added to the fan switch to control the cab heating. Classic good looks but now entirely emission-free at the exhaust.

This has been fitted with new 'Netgain Hyper 9' motor powered by 10 Jaguar Ipace batteries - six located in the engine bay and four located in the rear for perfect weight distribution. Power is 26kwh/110volts which gives a performance of 0-60 in 12 seconds with around 120bhp and a top speed of 100mph (restricted) and a range of approximately 100 miles. There is also a one year warranty remaining on the motor and batteries. It would make an ideal city-car or day-to-day driver. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille

Lot details
Year: 1980
Make: MGB
Model: GT Electric (EV Conversion)
Registration: RAR 905W
Chassis No: GVGEJ1AG512153
Engine No: 9773910096
Mileage: 01,233


* Newer versions are currently costing over £90,000

* The cost to convert to electric is more than the guide price of this car

* Registered by the DVLA as electric so ULEZ-free throughout the country

* As a company car, it will only attract a 'Benefit in Kind' (BiK) at 2%