MG MGB Series
Writing Car Lust posts is a privilege, especially when they bring back memories of vehicles I have either personally owned or that have been in the family. Such is the case of a 1973 terracotta-colored MGB that my sister had for a few years until her family outgrew the car, which didn't take a lot of outgrowing to do.
What attracted us to the MGB was that, as small as it was, the car was larger than a Triumph Spitfire or MG Midget. I wanted a Spitfire at the time, but this wasn't going to be my car. I believe this is the only picture of "our" MG that we have left. That's Snoopy right behind it, and my first car, a 1972 Vega :( .
My favorite MGB eccentricity was its three windshield wipers. The windscreen was low and wide, and two wipers just weren't up to the job. Only American MGBs had three wipers; all others had two. One night I got caught in a thunderstorm in the canvas-roofed car, and those wipers gave their all to let me see. I was minoring in Aerospace Technology at the time, and driving the roadster was not unlike flying a Cessna 150, except that no pilot is stupid enough to fly a 150 in a thunderstorm.
The best memories I have of the car are during the week I got to take it off to college. People actually lined up to get a ride around the block in it, including some attractive ladies. Oh, if I could only go back and do that day again. ...
I'm getting ahead of myself. The MGB Mark I (1962-1967) was very advanced at its introduction. One of the first cars to have crumple zones for crash safety, it was also made from unibody construction to save weight, unlike the Triumph TR6 and Spitfire.
Powered by a 1798cc B-Series I-4 engine with 95 horsepower, it was carried over from the MGA but enlarged. The MGB made a then-respectable 0-60 time of 11 seconds. This 3-bearing engine was upgraded to 5 main bearings in May 1964.
But this roadster was first and foremost known for its great handling. Maybe it's a coincidence, but the MGB's 91-inch wheelbase is virtually identical to a 2009 Miata's. A rare MGB option was a small rear seat for the kids.
The MGB Mark II (1967-1972) got a 4-speed synchromeshed gearbox (an automatic was an option in the UK), a new rear axle, and an alternator, replacing a dynamo, or generator. The floorpan and driveshaft tunnel sheet metal were new, producing a flatter floor. For the US market, a padded dash, nicknamed the "Abingdon pillow", was introduced.
The MGB Mark III (1972-1980) was built with a new fascia and a better heater. At no time during MGB production were any major exterior body panels changed significantly. The addition of rear back-up lights in March 1967, was a welcomed stamping improvement.
I remember that "our" car had two batteries just behind the seats. Each was a 6-volt, connected to make 12 volts, and were placed on each side of the driveshaft tunnel. These helped balance the car. In 1974, MG builders went to a single battery, which produced more amperes, or cranking power.
Most of the MGBs made were sold in the United States. But like the Spitfire and Midget, the 1974 MGB became a victim of US bumper and emissions laws. Same story, different car ... raise the thing, add large "rubber" bumpers, and choke the power in return for cleaner air.
Limited Edition MGBs were built to signify the end of the car's 18-year run. They were all black with silver lower body stripes and tan interiors. Limited Edition equipment included a front air dam, 5-spoke alloy wheels, a 3-spoke leather-covered steering wheel, special MG badges on the wheels and steering wheel, and a Limited Edition plaque on the glove box. A total of 6,668 were made in 1979 and 1980.
Some call the hardtop MGB GT a shooting brake. I can see this. Designed by Pinin Farina, launched in October, 1965, and built until 1980 (though export to the Colonies here stopped in 1974), the car gave you a tiny back seat and a bit more luggage space accessible through its rear hatch.
The engines and driveline were the same as the MGB. But the springs were stiffened, and anti-roll bars were added due to a bit of top-heaviness. The MGB GT was 5 mph faster than its roadster sibling on the top end due to much better aerodynamics. Some folks even thought they handled better than the roadster, as the solid roof provided a stiffer body.
The MGB GT V-8 was a monster. Made from 1973-1976 and only with right-hand drive, they were never brought to America by MG. Using Rover's 3528cc V-8 that was also used in the Buick Special and Oldsmobile F-85, this was the lightest V-8 in mass production. Having all-aluminium block and heads, at 318 pounds, it actually weighed 40 pounds less than the iron MG 4-cylinder.
These cars would do 0-60 in 8 seconds and top out at 125 miles per hour. The press loved the GT V-8, but British Leyland became concerned that the car would overshadow the company's Triumph Stag, and production was halted. A total of 2,591 MGB GT V-8s were made.
In 1967, the MGC was released. It was available as either the open roadster or GT coupe. Sold through 1970, the MGC had a 2912cc straight-6 producing 145 horsepower. A 4-speed manual with overdrive was standard, and a 3-speed automatic was optional.
Changes were made to the engine bay and floorpan for the 209-pound increased weight and engine size. The hood had unique bulges for the relocated radiator and carburetors.
With a top speed of 120 mph and a 0-60 time of 10 seconds, these cars were no slouch for their time. Its handling was iffy at first, caused by the heavy, off-weighted front end. Later, tire and suspension tweaks brought the driving experience up to par.
The last MGB and MGB GT were built on Oct. 22, 1980. They were shipped to British Leyland's Heritage collection at Gaydon, England, now called the Heritage Motor Centre.
And last, but absolutely not the least, we have the stately MG RV8.
Using only about 5% of the original MGB parts, it was offered in roadster and coupé forms. The underbody stampings of the original car were retained, as were the trunk lid and doors (minus the vent windows). But all-new body panels were formed to create this proud steed over the original MGB British Motor Heritage body shell.
Bits and pieces of other cars made their way to this MG. Headlights from a Porsche 911, door handles from a Jaguar XJS, and CDO instruments from a TVR blended in quite nicely.
The Rover 3950cc V-8, with 190 horsepower and a 5-speed stick, rocketed this car from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. Top speed was 135 miles per hour. Rear drum and front disc brakes were used, as well as a live rear axle. Front coil and rear elliptic springs with dual roll bars kept the RV8 well-planted in the curves. A RV8 could almost pass as a small Bentley. All interiors were Stone Beige colored, with rich Connelly leather, Burr Elm veneer woodwork, and thick cut pile carpeting, even in the trunk. Ten body colors were offered. All MG RV8s were officially built as right-hand-drive, but one left-hand-drive RV8 is known to exist.
Only 2,000 examples of the MG RV8 were made between 1993 and 1995. They were not sold as new in North America, but three are known to have snuck in. The Japanese market loved these cars- 330 RV8s were sold in Great Britain, and 1,579 went to Japan. Being right-hand-drive, they were tailor-made for Japanese roads.
This brought total MGB Series production to 525,836 cars. It was the most popular sports car of all time until passed by the Mazda Miata. Other MGs followed, including the MG F and TF, but these probably deserve a post of their own.
Driving our MGB was always a pleasure. In a lot of slight curves, you didn't turn the steering wheel so much as you put pressure on it towards the corner. We didn't have the reliability problems a lot of sports cars had back then, but it was only three years old when we got it. I remember the car had some kind of radio, but convertibles and audio systems do not mix. Raising and lowering the ragtop was a bit of a chore, as levers and snaps were everywhere.
Sis sold the MGB and bought a '73 Olds Cutlass as her family car; it was the perfect vehicle for them at the time. But at least I will always remember that day on campus when all the ladies were lined up to go for a ride. ...
The black and white MGB photo is from my scrapbook. The interior photo is thanks to mzaff.com. The MGB GT image is from flickr user Sjoerdwm. The MGC photo is from Wikipedia. MGRV8.com is a great source for all things MGRV8, including ths photo. Cartype.com supplied the MG logo. British Motor Heritage supplied inspiration as well.
--That Car Guy (Chuck)
Gene on June 19, 2009 at 01:49 PM
The MGB-GT is the hero of a fine song of the same name by Richard Thompson, written, he says, as the Brit answer to American rock songs about cars.
gazzer on June 20, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Known in the Uk as a Morris Oxford convertible.
RHRobinson on June 20, 2009 at 06:33 PM
My MGB was a '69 I had in college & took with me to medical school. My memory of the three windshield wipers was not pleasant. The wipers were activated by cables in roam-n-flex spiral metal cable sheaths that led into the cabin to an electric motor under the passenger dash. They worked like a charm as long as it didn't rain. As soon as any water hit the windshield it would run down the wipers into the sheaths and then down into the electric motor, shorting it out.
Great wipers for dry weather, useless in the rain.
C Ward on June 20, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Ah, the memories of my very first car. After thirty years, I still long for my 73 orange MGB, even with the water that flooded the passenger compartment when it rained. (Now, I might be able to afford to fix it.)
And you can still invoke the spirit of the old MGBs with the words "Lucas Electricals."
Still, I smile when I think of that car.
Bryan Frymire on June 20, 2009 at 08:12 PM
I can remember way back in 1978 or so when I lived in Texas. I'd open the garage door and stare at the blue MGB that was sitting there. Inevitably, a big wide grin would spread across my face - because I knew that the MGB belonged to my (then) brother in law - and the Fiat 124 Spyder out in the driveway belonged to me. I can remember one evening my bro-in-law was working on the "B" and he somehow managed to short out the brake line to the positive post on the starter or solenoid or something. So as he was blowing on the glowing, sputtering brake line that was now boiling out flaming brake fluid I jumped into the back where the two six-volt batteries were buried to try and get one of the cables off of its post. I grabbed a wrench and squatted down and was frantically unscrewing the post bolt as my BIL was going "PFFFTTTT...HURRY... PFFFFTTT... HURRY!!!" Well you know, a man would have to have a heart of stone ... not to laugh! For a moment I thought of just letting the car go up in a merciful cloud of smoke... but no. I got it off of there and the crisis was averted.
Here's the thing about the MGB. They ride great. Here's another thing. They're primitive. Lever shocks? Sure. It's got 'em. Pushrods? Just like your tractor has. Drum brakes? Yup - just look on that rear axle. Power assist on the brakes? Hah! Raise or lower the top? Hope you're not in a hurry - and it's nice to have a helper. And those cursed SU carbs. Good luck keeping those things on the same page.
Why did I like my Fiat? Twin cams. No pushrods. Power disc brakes on all four wheels. And you can raise and lower the top - all by yourself - from the driver's seat. Now even though it didn't have the dreaded Lucas electronics, Fiat did have their own, how shall I say it... totally messed up electrical system quirks. Take the headlights for instance. The left side high, left side low, right side high, and right side low beams were all on separate circuits. That's right. Four different breakers for the headlights. Okay, whatever. Still, that twin cam four had a sweet sound.
Yeah, MGB's were okay. Just primitive.
RHRobinson on June 20, 2009 at 09:01 PM
My '69 Type II also developed a nasty engine overheating problem that could only be overcome by keeping the heater on full blast at all times. This was a bit of a comfort problem since I was living in Southern California, but at least with little rain the windshield wipers worked.
Patrick Bramwell on June 20, 2009 at 09:54 PM
I had a '68 GT (British Racing Green) in northern Canada. Colder than a well-digger's boot. There were two holes, one either side, to allow the steering column through into the cabin. A rubber plug closed off the passenger (right) side hole. it kept falling through, and finally vanished. The local dealer wouldn't order one because it wasn't in the parts list.
It had the electric overdrive: added about 20 mph to top speed, as I recall. It also had Lucas electrics: Joe Lucas, Prince of Darkness! As for rear seat space: room for two legless emaciated elves.
Nevertheless, I loved the Green Beast, and only the advent of children forced me to get rid of it, for a big, warm, solid Buick!
Texas Jack on June 21, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Currently own two, one '73 roadster and one '67 GT. The roadster has a 2002 Ford Focus 2.0 DOHC with twin Weber 45's, Electromotive ignition, and a Borg-Warner T9, and the GT has a 2.3 injected turbo with a T5 from a '86 Mercury Cougar. Both are much more powerful than stock, but the weight is about the same or a little less. We (my mechanic and I) are in the process of designing caliper mounts for rear disc brakes.
The roadster top is still a beast to install, and it still leaks, and it still has three wiper blades, but there's not another car that I would want to drive to the track to work corners for vintage racing.
mark c on June 21, 2009 at 08:04 AM
my brother had '69 MGC. Biggest piece of crap I ever drove. electrical problems, tranny problems, horrible handling and completely unreliable. Ended up having towed away without remorse or recompence.
rrpjr on June 21, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Delightful to remember our old MGs. The first was my sister's British Racing Green 65. This passed to my brother, who thrashed it through high school. The doughty little car took it without complaint. Next was his 68 C. Unlike the B, this was a spectacular lemon. Parts literally fell off it. Undeterred, I later bought a brand new 73 B. (for $3300! Unlike the 73 pictured above, it came with Mag wheels). "Teal green with ochre leatherette interior." A joy of a car. Subsequently I owned a 67 BGT, 68B, another 73B and finally a 75B. I remember no real problems or headaches with any of our Bs.
M.B. Adelson on June 21, 2009 at 09:23 AM
I am the original owner of a '78 B that I still have and drive as my "everyday" car! I just had it repainted (in the original chocolate brown) and it looks like the day I drove it out of the showroom. Tan top and interior; I put a new carpet set and new dashboard in when I rebuilt the engine 4 or 5 years ago. I "found" an overdrive transmission at a garage sale ($150!!!!- they usually go for several thou IF you can find one) and I switched it into the car - otherwise, everything (including the Zenith-Stromberg carb) is "original", except the radio which I upgraded to an Alpine system. I love this car... and the handling, good mileage, simplicity of maintenance, and fundamental beauty of the design have caused me to keep it all these years - I should confirm the "Chick Magnet" aspect too. I have had years and years of fun (245,000+ miles)in this car.
Poole on June 21, 2009 at 10:05 AM
MGBs and MG Midgets used to be imported through the Port of Galveston and were stored and loaded onto rail cars next to where I worked. Once I saw a MG that had somehow fallen off the lading ramp to the upper level of the rail car.
I used to walk through the lot and admired them for their beauty until I saw a Jensen Interceptor. Loved that car.
Jose on June 21, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Yeah, the whole car was a crumple zone, interestingly enough.
But seriously, my lust for these things has all but dissipated after seeing so many of them rusting in local driveways. That and the horror inflicted against them by the DOT. And somebody already mentioned Joe Lucas. Nice post, in any case.
pbjosh on June 21, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Just saw the most amazing MG at the local auto show. Most amazing built up there, we took longer looking that car over then any other 10 cars combined. It was a GT-V8 I believe, every bit of it had been shaved and smoothed. The engine compartment had been cleaned up, smoothed, filled and painted to match. The cleanest engine compartment at the show. It housed a small V-8, with an intake manifold built by the owner specifically to mount the supercharger and the MPFI he constructed.
An amazing build. I wish I had pictures I could post here, but truth be told, I was too busy looking at it to take any. The owner did though - and it showed all of his work. Including the gimble he built that he mounted the stripped of any part body to, which allowed him to spin the car through it's axis to work on it.
Awesome little car.
pbjosh on June 21, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Also, at the show, was a Jag XK-E, about the same year, the shorter one, I6, before it was stretched for the V-12. It has 3 sets of windshield wipers also (and in this case, a hot little small block barely fit into it too.)
SullyAg on June 22, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Loved my ratty little 1970 MGB, windshield wipers and all.
Handling? This is the car that taught me the meaning of the term "trailing throttle oversteer," puncutating the lesson with a reverse trip into a drainage ditch. Good thing we didn't roll over.
Electrics? Once the battery (which a pervious owner had relocated to the trunk) caught fire. I left the scorch marks on the boot. Thought they gave the machine character.
Brakes? Always an adventure. When they worked.
The gas gauge didn't function all that well, either. I pushed that car more times than I'd like to remember. Thanks, Mr. Smiths. Actually, that was probably the safest way to travel in my little MGB. Poor thing had been well-abused by the time I bought it in college. Kept it for about a year before reason intervened.
Still, I have fond memories of the obstinate beast. When everything worked, it was sheer delight. When things didn't work, it was an education. Both experiences were well worth my time.
That Car Guy on June 22, 2009 at 07:07 PM
Though Lucas Electricals have a reputation all their own, my friend George http://www.carlustblog.com/2009/01/ferrari-365-gtc4-22.html told me that it was the Italians who invented darkness ;) .
OldCarGuy on June 26, 2009 at 06:07 AM
This really set my synapses firing! The first car I ever owned was a 1968 MGB, which I purchased in 1979. The PO had painted it dark brown (!) and soon after I acquired it the paint began to flake off of the aluminum hood. So began its "restoration," my first attempt at body work. I removed the bumpers, grill and all the trim, uncovered the original red paint, filled and sanded its various flawed body panels, and drove it to MAACO for a fire engine red paint job. Once reassembled, it was a respectable "50-footer," and the wire wheels and chrome grill and bumpers really set it apart from the newer rubber bumper B's. It had an original bolt-on MG hard top for winter, and I replaced the soft top's original awkward rack with a later model fold-down version. With its glasspack exhaust, listening to it run up through the gears was a symphony to my ears, especially with the top down. I loved that car like a first girlfriend -- with blinders to its flaws. But it WAS an enthusiast's car, fun to throw around in the turns, and an absolute joy on warm, sunny days. Back then it wasn't uncommon to pass MGs on the road, and we always exchanged a knowing wave or a headlight flash. Thanks for the memories.
Jason on July 01, 2009 at 08:56 AM
I was waiting for this post. I've had a 71 roadster, a 74 GT, and then a 71 GT over the last 16 years. Although I have never had the major problems I often hear about with MG's, I have finally been able to develop my 71 GT into what I always wanted one to be. Bored out .060 over, a mild cam, poly bushes, heavy duty shock valving, an OD trans, 15" minilites, and decent fog lights. I don't have any reliability problems and the car runs very well. Considering its age and displacement it fairs well on an autocross course and cruises the highway without issue. Its also one of the most beautiful designs ever to grace an automobile, for the money. Its a very poor man's Ferrari 330 in my mind. And I am a very poor man, so that's that.
MG's, like Fiats, Alfa's, Triumphs and so on, just fare better in an enthusiasts hands.
OldCarGuy on July 09, 2009 at 06:19 AM
Bravo, Jason! Take good care of that GT. It sounds tremendous.
Xenon HID on July 25, 2009 at 01:09 AM
Thanks for the good article on lust car.
Joseph Petro on August 04, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Looking for a particular 1967 MGB Roadster (British Racing Green) Vin Number: GHN3L107816. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Chuck on August 07, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Joseph, what country was your car in?
Xenon HID on August 26, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Excellent!Such is the case of a 1973 terracotta-colored MGB that my sister had for a few years until her family outgrew the car, which didn't take a lot of outgrowing to do.
thomas burris on September 25, 2009 at 09:44 AM
i have a 1976 mg that i started restoring but need to sell it i have no money left for it need to sell fast nees electircal no rust body fram all in great shape needs interior work any body interested email me at tb_ec2009@yahoo.com