MGB for me? (MG MGB)

Member Name: p4ddy

Product:	MG MGB
Date:	24/11/00 (527 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: individualistic fun, easy to DIY

Disadvantages: lack of some modern features.

I am lucky or should I say was and now I am not so lucky.

After a write-off in my previous car I decided not to buy a modern car and found a restored MGBGT for the same price. 1973 Chrome bumper model and I was hooked. They may be old, noisy, cold, expensive to run, prone to breaking down but there is little on the road with as much poise, grace, out and out damn good lucks, fun to drive, fairly reliable if kept serviced and individual.

'Meggy' as we called her ran me to work day in day out with very few hiccups. In sun and snow, started first time every time, except when returning from holiday. For some reaon she never wanted to come home.

I can't remember how many times I have been stopped in car parks to talk about her by interested joe public. The friendship from fellow owners is excellent.

The cars are easy to work on for the DIYer, with simple components, plenty of room under the bonnet and easy replacements. Almost all of the car is available brand new and cheap spares.

Of course there are elite cars that are concourse condition, only get driven in fine weather to and from shows, but I believe these were 'cars to be driven' and daily use is the best thing for them.

The engines are excellent, with bags of torque to spare, fabulous at motorway speeds and can only be damaged by a direct bomb blast and then will only konk out when you are finally at your destination.

I would however recommend that anyone takes my advice regarding fitting modern upgrades such as electric fans and electronic ignition just to be on the safe side. Uprated heater boxes help too.

All in all an excellent vehicle, I only wish I was able to keep her. She was in need of further restoration off the road and my company offered me a car allowance which effectively meant I had to have a car less than 4 years old. Oh how I cried knowing that she had to be sold. We couldn't afford to run t
wo cars so she was put up for sale. Sold at the asking price, no hassle to a fellow workmate that is currently restoring her. So I know she's being looked after, I can still visit and when complete have been promised another drive. He's so hooked on MG's now he's bought an MGF for when the MGB is in for restoration.

Not everyone is so lucky, and many people often pine after the little MG they had to part with and long to get back. I also have first refusal if she ever goes on the market again so you never know.

I would definately recommend a classic car to anyone and especially the grand old MGB.

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