Car Lust--1971 MG MGB GT
Submitted by Jason Howell for Our Cars Week
What is it about a car that compels you to make changes in your life, often repeatedly, to obtain or maintain it, and what kind of car is it that has this power? Every car enthusiast has a different answer. For me, the car has always been British, and always been an MG. Unable to afford a Jag, a big Healey, or some of the more exotic or unusual MGs, and simply not being a "Triumph guy," I have always gravitated toward MG’s B model. My latest MGB GT is the best of them all, and one that has developed into the car I always wanted the car I lusted after to be.
I bought this 1971 MGB GT in 2005 in part as a gift to myself for graduating law school. It was the third MG I had owned, after a basket case of a ‘71 roadster I owned in 1993 and a ’74 BGT in 1994. The previous GT lasted five years as a daily driver and took me to all corners of the United States. Sadly, graduate school and finally moving for law school resulted in its demise. But, why else pursue higher learning if not to achieve more automotive ambitions?
I bought the car sight unseen on eBay, and when I got it home I was pleased to discover it was in very good condition. It was then time to make some changes, but the first change was a new driveway to allow the vehicle access to the inside of the garage. It also meant my other automotive icon, a 1984 Mercedes Benz 300D, would be relegated to outdoor living.
The engine, bored 60 over with a mild cam, was followed by suspension updates, with all new springs, poly bushes and heavy duty shock valves. Then an always-sought-after overdrive transmission. Then came an air dam, one inch plus-size minilites with decent tires, Hella amber fog lights, a CD player, and my old mahogany wheel.
Having produced a decent driver, it was time to hit an autocross course and see what the car was capable of. It turned out to be capable of running with Tercels, Cavaliers and base-model Neons. This was actually good news, as a 40-year-old economy sports car keeping pace with modern cars of any class is no mean feat.
Rallying was next, and anymore the car is just driven without competition.
The thing of it is, this car has been the realization of what I always wanted my MGB to be--a decent performer in a sophisticated-looking design package that delivers a reliable vintage driving experience while being moderately affordable. That has always been what I always lusted after. Now that I’ve had it for four years, the time is coming to move on to a something maybe a little more. A little more expensive, a little more performance, a little more cachet. A Boxster or an older 911, a Lotus or even a TVR. Whatever it is, it will never be at the expense of, or to replace this car.
--Jason Howell
Laura Signorelli on September 17, 2009 at 03:05 AM
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Chris Hafner on September 17, 2009 at 08:00 AM
I have always liked the MGB GT - something about that fastback profile - but I didn't know it could look so drop-dead *gorgeous.* This is a seriously lovely car, and that's some great photography.
That Car Guy on September 17, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Great story and photos, Jason! And you're not the only MGB MGB/GT Series fan here at Car Lust:
http://www.carlustblog.com/2009/06/mg-mgb-series.html
My apologies if you've already seen the post.
...m... on September 17, 2009 at 09:56 AM
...if you're brave enough to have a go at it (and it seems like you are), a vintage europa would provide a similar ownership experience with performance cranked up quite a few notches - even the same air dam design!..
SullyAg on September 17, 2009 at 10:50 AM
That final photograph captures the lure of British sports cars perfectly, Jason. Once I owned a 1971 MGB roadster, myself. I'd love to take it down the road in your photo -- around the bend, over the horizon, and into my imagination. Thanks for a good read.
Robert on September 17, 2009 at 02:33 PM
The photography here looks very Top Gear-ish, except without the fancy red sportscars! Very nice post, nice car too.
Bob Sistek on September 17, 2009 at 08:01 PM
Jason, nice post and I'm jealous as all get out. You have my favorite MG of all time. Great looking car, good performance, pre-Federal bumpers, not too much smog stuff and you don't have put up the top. I had a '64 MGB many years ago. Bought it used, and used up. It had bondo showing on the left front fender, a bent hood (bonnet), rust holes in the floor board, broken door handle and, eventually a broken 3rd gear. During a pretty Sunday drive with my wife the hood suddenly popped open and wrapped itself around the windshield top frame. Imagine the looks on other driver's faces! After a moment of panic, we were able to pull to the side of the road and force the hood down very close to where it should be and tied it down with a coat hanger. Fun times. In spite of all the problems, it never failed to start and was an absolute hoot to drive. I wish I had one now, but a much nicer one.
Paul C. Perkins on September 17, 2009 at 08:53 PM
I always referred to these things as "alpahbet cars." My best friend at University of Colorado had a 1970 MGB he called "Ble Max." Though I am a devoted Lotus fan - I tremendously enjoyed both it and his later 1972 TR6. Both provided many grins per gallon. Your writing is heartfelt - and the photography reflects your appreciation of the MGB-GT as industrial art. Thanks for sharing.
Mochi Mochi on September 18, 2009 at 10:52 AM
The MGB GT is an awesome looking little car. I think of it this way. The MGB was a perfectly nice looking classic little car for it's time. It's design stuck around for a little too long in an unchanged and very Brit car way. It got to a point years ago when the MGB was just around a little too much. Familiarity was breeding contempt. But the MGB GT never suffered that ignominy. It was a unique looking car that was fresh and just amazingly cool looking.
The work you have done on this car really shows. Great car, great project! It's beautiful and I'm really glad you are racing and rallying it.
I'm with ..m.. on the Europa. That's a Brit car that would be an amazing project. We've talked about it a number of times here. Some think it's lines are a little off, I consider it to be misunderstood or under-appreciated genius.
OldCarGuy on September 21, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Great post, Jason! Wonderful photos, too. I may have to see if I can dig up the pics of my first car, a '68 MGB. As with women, your first is always very special (and you tend to remember only the good stuff).
Wild Bill on September 22, 2009 at 06:41 AM
My wife's neighbor had a British racing green MGB GT when she was in high school, the only sports car she ever mentioned or talked about. Wanting to get some sort of vintage car, I asked her if she's like to look for one for us. She said no, she just liked to look at it, not drive or own one. Women!
carinpedia.com on September 23, 2009 at 06:43 AM
It is a shame that the MGB GT is so often overlooked. To give it some props we featured one recently as our car of the day
http://carsinpedia.com/car_day_archive_details.php?id=386
Robin Smith on October 09, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Body kits can add a dramatic racecar-inspired style to your current ride & maximize car performance. The front bumpers (with air dams), side skirts or spoilers perform different functions when are supplied in body kits but the end result is same i.e. to help you streamline your car to a greater extent.
http://crash456.blog.co.uk/2009/10/10/how-to-improve-the-performance-of-cars-7135518/