As a kid in West Virginia, I got a job busing tables at Shoney’s restaurant, on my walk home was an old Dodge Dealer, in the back a old MGB had been left, I’d sneak inside the old MGB and sit in it for hours, imagining just how wonderful the old gal would be to drive on our curvy mountain roads. The old MGB was so very different from my granddaddy’s old Ford Falcon, seemed so very exotic and cool!
April 2022. Weather is improving in England, time to take my 1966 British Racing Green BGT out from her garage slumber. These cars are to be used with enthusiasm, and this video shows what fun they are to drive... Great stuff!
That MGB GT sounds gorgeous Matt. Now you need to drive a roadster for a magical experience. Hired a 1975 one in Donegal couple of years ago and found it Very addictive. Just reach over your shoulder to pull the top closed in a big shower. If you're ever in Killybegs give Joe McCloskey a shout to hire an MGB or a TR6.
My Dad (before I was born) had a MG-TD, then (after I was born) an MG-A. My oldest brother had a New (from factory) '71 or '72 MG-B (we time and distance rallied in it). I learned the finer points of shifting after practicing in a '64 Corvair convertible. Finally I had a '72 MG-B that I had painted from a dark green to a British Racing Green like my brother was. ;-)
Just discovered this video of one of my favourite cars. I looked at, and almost bought, a black with silver SE, one of the last new Bs in Toronto, Ontario. The only reason I didn't was a problem with the gearbox. When engaging first, it would attempt to engage reverse at the same time. Not an encouraging sound, and it did not bode well for longevity.
Hopefully due to driving an MGB. Hasn't seen this video but just realised it was four years ago. I thought I'd already gone through your entire back catalogue.
Lovely looking MGB. I used to know someone near where I live who had one just like this. His was dark green in colour. He took me for a drive around the neighbourhood in it. It was fun. :)
I notice it doesn't have a chrome bonnet finisher, just like mine. :( Not 'one of' definately the most popular British sports ar ever. Depending on your definition, possibly the most popular sports car in the world.
Love your enthusiasm for this car. The biggest problem that I have/had with this, is that in 1974 the MGB GT was less than £100 less than the Datsun 240Z. That was OK in the 60s, obviously. The MGC GT which should have been able to compete with the Datsun was very expensive and handled very very badly. The V8 version was expensive and was never properly developed. What were we doing in the 70s .......!
The MGC GT and the Datsun were very different cars. I bought my Mineral Blue MGC GT in 1970 a 1969 model with Webasto Roof and 4 Speed Automatic transmission. I was working for a BMC dealer in Monterey Calif. Excellent car. They did NOT handle "very, very badly" Simple modifications and tire pressure adjustment and they were superb GT cars. GT, Got That? I suspect you did not own one. I currently have a 63 B and looking for an unmolested MGC, tourer or GT.
Great cars, I loved my 1969 GT and I'm really regretting selling it. TBH, I probably did the right thing, great project car, but once sorted - what do you do with it...? Fine if you have a garage to keep it in, they just rot if left outside... But basic motoring and huge fun. Surprisingly good handling and sprightly performance once well tuned, made my commute to work like a lap of Goodwood every time... that's the MG Magic.
Overdrive on the gearstick! That was introduced on the 1977 model year cars. For a cod's mouth 1972 model as this appears to be the o/d if fitted would be on the dashboard or indicator stalk.
I had a MGBGT but as an automatic it was very sluggish especially from standstill. The other issue common to all MGB’s was the aluminium bonnet. Mechanics with greasy hands tended to push it closed with their elbows resulting in small dents :-/
@@robertdelalande7734 I scoured all my reference books and I stand corrected. The Aluminum bonnet for USA was 62-67. In Britain and Europe 1969 was the last year of the Aluminium bonnet. You are quite correct. Much as 1967 was the ;last year for the steel dash in USA, Canada , Britain and Europe continued for a few more years. From my research. "Headrests first appeared in 1969, as did front and rear side reflectors and, on Tourers, ( often incorrectly called roadsters) three windshield wipers; this was the last year that the MGB used an aluminum hood (steel replaced it for 1970)"
My MGBGT’s were never officially imported to Australia and mine (originally purchased by my father) was a private import by the local MG agent and while it was purchased new in 69 it may have been a 68 model. Australia actually assembled roadster’s so there may have been detail differences, certainly with colour and trim. Actually, despite similar looks many parts were not interchangeable between roadster and GT.
Please ... just have one level for the audio. Really quiet throughout is fine - I can turn the volume up. Really loud is fine - I can turn it down. Really quiet for your voice then deafeningly loud for engine, then flipping back and forth is a deal-breaker.
A 1972 MGB should have the overdrive switch on the dashboard to the right of the driver. The gear stick mounted switch came later with the rubber bumper cars and a Triumph gearbox.
I personally own a '72 GT (which you did not identify correctly) and the one you are driving isn't a £10k car. That engine sounds like crap (it shouldn't tap like that), it's missing the trim piece on the front of the bonnet, and that exhaust pipe shouldn't be that long.
Triumphs are industrial, a bitch to work on, several very dangerous design flaws, cramped. Look good, sound good, but that's the end of it. Buy one and find out. TR5 = TR 250 tr4 with the TR6 motor.
I love the idea of one of these, til I remember the oil leaks, the rust, having to rebuild the front suspension, Lucas electrics... Need I go on? Do yourself a favour and buy an MX5 and keep the cash you would have spent on repairs.
I would still take a MG or Triumph over the Miata for one very good reason. The MX-5 is like a surgeon's scalpel: efficient and reliable, but utterly cold. There's no passion present with that thing. Yes, I have driven one (a NA) so I'm not talking out my rear here.
The thing about MGs is they are divisive. You either get them or you don't. I like the MX5, but it's too sterile for my liking. If oil leaks and rust aren't something you're willing to accept, then really classic car ownership isn't for you. Yeah MGs aren't perfect, but they have soul and character, and that's what I love about them. That and they look seriously cool.
You are definitely the wrong owner for a B. I have a 1963 zero rust and because I maintain my cars (unlike most Americans) no oil leakage and the LUCAS demon is grossly exaggerated. You can always tell a non owner by those remarks. Prior to my current 63 B I have owned the following Brit Cars 1946 MG TC former race car, cross flow head, custom exhaust waay overboard, lightened flywheel, crank, rods, pistons, clutch etc all balanced,.Borani 15" wheels, Alfin brakes etc 1950 MG TD prepped for Bonneville 1953 TD MKII my first Brit car bought in 1964, Dual Fuel pumps , Larger 1 1/2" SU Carbs, Andrex Shocks, head ported and increased compression etc 1956 MGA bought in 1970, stuffed a 3 main B motor in it and 1 1/2 " SUs. Then cosmetically and mechanically restored 1964 MGB Iris Blue sold 2 years ago, an original and rust free car. 5 Land Rovers 1958-1974 (pre yuppie crap) 4 Thames vans 6 Morris Minors including a 1951 Convertible 54 Oxford 1500 flathead. 1960 Oxford, 1500 CC B motor 1980 Rover SD1 3500 V8 1959/1960 Fairthorpe Electron Climax. 1100 cc , 1080 pounds, 100 HP left hand drive and the only one imported to the US. One of 21 built . 1958 Sprite in which I stuff a 1275. And a few more. None were as much trouble as most American iron.
You just killed my hearing with the mic right next the engine when you started it! Did you not sound check your video before posting? Nice car, crap video.
MGs were after VWs the most common foreign car when I was at university in Colorado 1972-6. Convertibles were more popular but there were plenty of these on any US campus parking lot in the 70s. Triumph TR6 was also big. Jaguars were for fancy moms not college kids.
As a kid in West Virginia, I got a job busing tables at Shoney’s restaurant, on my walk home was an old Dodge Dealer, in the back a old MGB had been left, I’d sneak inside the old MGB and sit in it for hours, imagining just how wonderful the old gal would be to drive on our curvy mountain roads. The old MGB was so very different from my granddaddy’s old Ford Falcon, seemed so very exotic and cool!
April 2022. Weather is improving in England, time to take my 1966 British Racing Green BGT out from her garage slumber.
These cars are to be used with enthusiasm, and this video shows what fun they are to drive... Great stuff!
The black crackle dashboard finish has never been bettered
5 years ago when you did you did the review - WOW! How time has passed so quickly.
That MGB GT sounds gorgeous Matt. Now you need to drive a roadster for a magical experience. Hired a 1975 one in Donegal couple of years ago and found it Very addictive. Just reach over your shoulder to pull the top closed in a big shower. If you're ever in Killybegs give Joe McCloskey a shout to hire an MGB or a TR6.
My Dad (before I was born) had a MG-TD, then (after I was born) an MG-A.
My oldest brother had a New (from factory) '71 or '72 MG-B (we time and distance rallied in it).
I learned the finer points of shifting after practicing in a '64 Corvair convertible.
Finally I had a '72 MG-B that I had painted from a dark green to a British Racing Green like my brother was. ;-)
That's a MGB-GT, I had a 1972 MGB that I had(not by me) repainted BRG
I prefer the inset grill over the flat grill, it has an aggressive look. ;-)
Defo a great british sports car, love the colour on it too
Yes, its strange Ive neve had one really
One of the few cars I've owned with a dipstick for the gearbox!
I just bought a 1968 MGB GT
Just discovered this video of one of my favourite cars. I looked at, and almost bought, a black with silver SE, one of the last new Bs in Toronto, Ontario. The only reason I didn't was a problem with the gearbox. When engaging first, it would attempt to engage reverse at the same time. Not an encouraging sound, and it did not bode well for longevity.
Hopefully due to driving an MGB. Hasn't seen this video but just realised it was four years ago. I thought I'd already gone through your entire back catalogue.
I just bought a 1971 MGB GT.
Lovely looking MGB. I used to know someone near where I live who had one just like this. His was dark green in colour. He took me for a drive around the neighbourhood in it. It was fun. :)
I notice it doesn't have a chrome bonnet finisher, just like mine. :(
Not 'one of' definately the most popular British sports ar ever. Depending on your definition, possibly the most popular sports car in the world.
Love your enthusiasm for this car. The biggest problem that I have/had with this, is that in 1974 the MGB GT was less than £100 less than the Datsun 240Z. That was OK in the 60s, obviously. The MGC GT which should have been able to compete with the Datsun was very expensive and handled very very badly. The V8 version was expensive and was never properly developed. What were we doing in the 70s .......!
The MGC GT and the Datsun were very different cars. I bought my Mineral Blue MGC GT in 1970 a 1969 model with Webasto Roof and 4 Speed Automatic transmission. I was working for a
BMC dealer in Monterey Calif. Excellent car. They did NOT handle "very, very badly" Simple modifications and tire pressure adjustment and they were superb GT cars. GT, Got That?
I suspect you did not own one. I currently have a 63 B and looking for an unmolested MGC, tourer or GT.
When the camera fell off 😂! Great video 👍🏾 I just bought my 1st MG B this week!
Great cars, I loved my 1969 GT and I'm really regretting selling it. TBH, I probably did the right thing, great project car, but once sorted - what do you do with it...? Fine if you have a garage to keep it in, they just rot if left outside... But basic motoring and huge fun. Surprisingly good handling and sprightly performance once well tuned, made my commute to work like a lap of Goodwood every time... that's the MG Magic.
Overdrive on the gearstick! That was introduced on the 1977 model year cars. For a cod's mouth 1972 model as this appears to be the o/d if fitted would be on the dashboard or indicator stalk.
Yeh ,I've just clocked that too
@@colinmiller5502 The dashboard looks right for a 72 car, so who knows. Also its lost its chrome strip on the bonnet edge.
Door handle on drivers side looks wrong too.. lol.
I am not sure how I missed this one, as I love MGB's. I had a 1968 MGB drop top. Matt you had more hair.
I wonder if they gave a discount for the missing strip on the bonnet?
Just bought a 1972 MGB like this one... for £780, mine needs a little work but it moves!
Brilliant, hope its a fun project!
Good report, nice to see 👍
I've wanted to get a MGB GT for years. I wonder if the value is also rising in the US? Thanks for the great video!
Currently 2023 the GTs are becoming popular and the prices are rising.
The MGB GT... The best MG ever!
I personally prefer an MGA coupe. Much the same construction, but with a significantly more debonair body.
On my dad MGB the ignition is on the steering colum
Can I ask, what would you like MBG or MBC?
MGB for blasting around MGC for long distance cruising.
Brilliant, but then I'm biased as I have one, same year too, only mine's a rarity - it's an automatic.
you need a new sound man
I need a radio transmitter for my lapel mic, unfortunately thats about proper money as the £50 on Amazon dont work!
Nice car but missing its bonnet finisher, no wonder though these finisher are impossible to find...
so true many owners have had to resort to fitting either earlier or later grills
The MGB GT IS the iconic British Sports Car, end of story!
Now made in China now
I had a MGBGT but as an automatic it was very sluggish especially from standstill. The other issue common to all MGB’s was the aluminium bonnet. Mechanics with greasy hands tended to push it closed with their elbows resulting in small dents :-/
The only MGBs that had an aluminum bonnet/hood, were 1962, 1963, 1964. Oct 1965 onward they were steel.
@@jeffhildreth9244 well, mine was purchased new in 1969 and definitely had an aluminium bonnet/hood
@@robertdelalande7734 I scoured all my reference books and I stand corrected. The Aluminum bonnet for USA was 62-67.
In Britain and Europe 1969 was the last year of the Aluminium bonnet.
You are quite correct.
Much as 1967 was the ;last year for the steel dash in USA, Canada , Britain and Europe continued for a few more years.
From my research.
"Headrests first appeared in 1969, as did front and rear side reflectors and, on Tourers, ( often incorrectly called roadsters) three windshield wipers; this was the last year that the MGB used an aluminum hood (steel replaced it for 1970)"
My MGBGT’s were never officially imported to Australia and mine (originally purchased by my father) was a private import by the local MG agent and while it was purchased new in 69 it may have been a 68 model. Australia actually assembled roadster’s so there may have been detail differences, certainly with colour and trim. Actually, despite similar looks many parts were not interchangeable between roadster and GT.
Interesting how much you've improved your audio and commentary since this early video.
it's a constant learning experience
Also when you are not shifting, take your bloody hand off the shifter. Very bad for gearbox - look it up.
Never a fan of the "leylandised" front grill on that model.
With tappets like that, that car will be a gutless wonder. GET YOUR TAPPETS DONE
not my car, only borrowed for the video
They all sound like that! It's a tappet engine.
A noisy tappet is a happy tappet, even more so on these B series.
Bingo, in bad need of a tune up to include the tappets.
What colour is this great car?
I think its Teal Blue
Thank you. It is truly a beautiful piece of work
I think it's called either "iris" or "French" blue
It is Teal blue. Iris blue is light blue and they never used French blue on these.
@@LordTwaddle Iris Blue BL 12 is light robin's egg blue
good little vid spoiled by sound, maybe next time eh.
Please ... just have one level for the audio. Really quiet throughout is fine - I can turn the volume up. Really loud is fine - I can turn it down. Really quiet for your voice then deafeningly loud for engine, then flipping back and forth is a deal-breaker.
It has the proper wire wheels.
I like the GT but I wouldn't pay that price
A 1972 MGB should have the overdrive switch on the dashboard to the right of the driver. The gear stick mounted switch came later with the rubber bumper cars and a Triumph gearbox.
MGB's never had a Triumph gearbox, that came with later Midget 1500's, that's possibly what you meant?
No it should not. My own '72 BGT has OD. By '72 the OD switch was part of the right side stalk.
Not all Bs had overdrive.
To be perfect I’d add some Connelly hide interior. Just the aroma alone is as arousing as a great bout of sex! Well it is to me anyway but I’m 72+.
V8 in black be nice
For an engine how about a twin cam cross flow headed Cosworth 4 cylinder?
A common mod is the MIATA motor.
I personally own a '72 GT (which you did not identify correctly) and the one you are driving isn't a £10k car. That engine sounds like crap (it shouldn't tap like that), it's missing the trim piece on the front of the bonnet, and that exhaust pipe shouldn't be that long.
And the radiator support seal is rotting away, the brake master cyl is rusting away and more.
Sounds like a bag of nails.
No one actually pays £10k for a GT. They might be advertised as such but they actually sell for £3k-£5k restored.
Simply not true. GTs are going for $8000 upward in the US.
Those sunroofs lower the value, leak bad security may as well get a convertible
BS.
Triumph GT6 anyone? The Mk 2 was better looking and a better car than the BGT in my opinion. If you want a roadster get a TR5.
Triumphs are industrial, a bitch to work on, several very dangerous design flaws, cramped. Look good, sound good, but that's the end of it.
Buy one and find out. TR5 = TR 250 tr4 with the TR6 motor.
I love the idea of one of these, til I remember the oil leaks, the rust, having to rebuild the front suspension, Lucas electrics... Need I go on? Do yourself a favour and buy an MX5 and keep the cash you would have spent on repairs.
Sadly tin worm is also the MX5 achillies heel too.
I would still take a MG or Triumph over the Miata for one very good reason. The MX-5 is like a surgeon's scalpel: efficient and reliable, but utterly cold. There's no passion present with that thing. Yes, I have driven one (a NA) so I'm not talking out my rear here.
The thing about MGs is they are divisive. You either get them or you don't. I like the MX5, but it's too sterile for my liking. If oil leaks and rust aren't something you're willing to accept, then really classic car ownership isn't for you. Yeah MGs aren't perfect, but they have soul and character, and that's what I love about them. That and they look seriously cool.
You are definitely the wrong owner for a B.
I have a 1963 zero rust and because I maintain my cars (unlike most Americans) no oil leakage and the LUCAS demon is grossly exaggerated. You can always tell a non owner by those remarks. Prior to my current 63 B I have owned the following Brit Cars
1946 MG TC former race car, cross flow head, custom exhaust waay overboard, lightened flywheel, crank, rods, pistons, clutch etc all balanced,.Borani 15" wheels, Alfin brakes etc
1950 MG TD prepped for Bonneville
1953 TD MKII my first Brit car bought in 1964, Dual Fuel pumps , Larger 1 1/2" SU Carbs, Andrex Shocks, head ported and increased compression etc
1956 MGA bought in 1970, stuffed a 3 main B motor in it and 1 1/2 " SUs. Then cosmetically and mechanically restored
1964 MGB Iris Blue sold 2 years ago, an original and rust free car.
5 Land Rovers 1958-1974 (pre yuppie crap)
4 Thames vans
6 Morris Minors including a 1951 Convertible
54 Oxford 1500 flathead.
1960 Oxford, 1500 CC B motor
1980 Rover SD1 3500 V8
1959/1960 Fairthorpe Electron Climax. 1100 cc , 1080 pounds, 100 HP left hand drive and the only one imported to the US. One of 21 built .
1958 Sprite in which I stuff a 1275.
And a few more.
None were as much trouble as most American iron.
@@jeffhildreth9244 And where exactly do
you live?
Nice car... Horrendous sound quality!
And i don't mean the car
check the newer videos, much improved
You just killed my hearing with the mic right next the engine when you started it! Did you not sound check your video before posting? Nice car, crap video.
Yep, typical British engine sounds. Like a Massey Ferguson farm tractor!
Worst. Audio. Ever.
Why can't we have Americans review British cars? Give me a brake.
There's plenty of US videos covering immaculate MGs.
MGs were after VWs the most common foreign car when I was at university in Colorado 1972-6. Convertibles were more popular but there were plenty of these on any US campus parking lot in the 70s. Triumph TR6 was also big. Jaguars were for fancy moms not college kids.
@@Martindyna There are plenty of US videos showing supposedly restored MGs which are usually butcher jobs.