The MG B GT Is the Definitive Classic Sports Car
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- Опубліковано 31 жов 2020
- The MG B is the archetype for a classic British sports car. It's the vehicle that changed the way people perceived sports cars, moving away from a niche and towards the mainstream with the comforts of a small saloon.
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That B-Series exhaust note also belonged to the B-mystique, it was quite as cultish as the contemporary Alfa twincam (e.g. in the GTV).
For me that’s the thing that lets the car down... sounds like it’s struggling to perform, unlike an Italian twin- cam rasp or a Triumph straight 6 snarl.
A 1st class tutorial from you...Thank you my friend...
Thanks Peter ☺️
This lad needs his own TV show.... Great review
Thanks Michael, that’s very kind ☺️
The MGBGTV8 is undoubtedly the finest GT tourer so underrated superb performance and if tuned well it will really move to 140mph with ease grab them only a few left in the UK.
I'm a 44 year-old owner of a '77 tourer in Detroit, Michigan in 2021. These cars are timeless and this review absolutely *nails* it. They are the best. The only thing he didn't say was "they are greater than the sum of their parts" or "Kinda like Herbie the Luv Bug."
I've owned three MX-5s and a '74 MGB beforehand, but am settled with my '77. No trades, no sales.
Great little car, and brilliant assessment. Well done.
I do a lot of finishing for a company that restores classic cars.
Most of their cars are crated up and shipped across the pond the the USA.
One of two cars I've ever driven that's older than I am - a 1973 MGB V8 Roadster.
When I saw that prototype, the first car I thought of was the de Tomaso Pantera.
Never realised the biggest selling year was 1977 (pretty near near the end). The Triumph TR7 didn't go on much longer than the MGB.
One of my funny moments - I went to look at a 1975 MGB GT at a dealership, the dealer started it up, and it spat a load of oil from its exhaust onto a Ford Fiesta parked behind it!
I've owned an MGB since 1984. My current one is a 1979 MGB Roadster that I purchased in 1999. gone Properly lowered to original riding height, polyurethane bushings throughout the suspension, twin HS4 SU carbs, no missions, pertronics ignition, she purrs and completely 100% reliable. Love my B Roadster!
Here's a lad who plainly loves his cars! Always a pleasure to listen and remember.
glad to see an owner has fitted those security locks on the doors, I did the same and one day after work it was clear someone had being trying to open the doors...the original locks were useless by the 80's........ wire wheels are a pain to keep clean if your using a car daily...
i recently picked up a first year rubber bumper model as a project here in the US. it’s my first soirée into british cars, and it had been sitting for 12 years without moving. we loaded it onto a trailer, got it home, put fresh gas and and new battery in it, and it cranked over on the button. i’ve already converted it to the twin SU setup, and coming from someone who’s used to working on big detroit hunks of iron, there’s something endlessly charming about the little B. i plan on keeping it for a very long time.
Love this!
Very intelligent and thoughtful commentary. And the dry Midlands sense of humour is great too.
Thanks Thomas ☺️
I’m not Midlands though, try 2 hours up the motorway 🤣
Great show. My US university era - 72-6 - these were very popular college kid hatchback although VW hatchback was bigger as it didn't require you to be on first name basis with your local mechanic.
I had a 1974 mgb get in Burgundy. It had overdrive, so effectively a 6 speed gearbox. I loved it. I remember taking it on touring holiday from Kent to Norfolk and ended up having a tour of the lotus factory. Happy days.
I had a 1972 BGT in 1982, it had the spoked wheels on knock on splines, which had worn and needed tin foil wrapped carefully on the splines to make up the gap.. it was reliable and fast enough and really looked the part. There was zero rust It that I was aware of. Sadly it was stolen from a car park in broad daylight, and that was the last MG I owned until 8 years later I owned a MG Metro. The BGT was a totally practical car, and the details like that crinkle black dashboard finish and the overdrive made it so memorable.
Fantastic review, you've covered the story of the MGB perfectly. Really enjoyed watching this 👍
Thanks Steve :)
Yes, this really nailed it.
My favorite car and my favorite presenter! This video is as much a classic as the MGB.
ADO21 and the Rover P6BS would have cleaned up IF British Leyland could have told Triumph to focus on the 'B/C' segment like they should have (aka the Dolomite). Loved it Twin Cam, a great explanation of an excellent car and the problems of the time.
They absolutely would have. The P6BS in particular would have been immense.
Thanks Michael :)
When I was a kid, these were all over the place. Japanese cars were not a thing yet, we had British sports cars and Austins and Renaults instead. I think this is one of the best proportioned cars ever and ai love it. I also l8ve your enthusiasm and the depth of the knowledge you bring to your videos. Good work.
A Melbourne (AU) mate of mine had an MGBGTV8. Fun - *and* scary - to drive. With the V8's torque and the car's low gearing the rear end could get a tad too excited.
I had a 1969 MGB GT and a 1976 Triumph TR6 in the mid-to-late 1980s...loved them both. Wish I still had them.
Excellent video Ed. As one of the other comments say. Move over Clarkson. Its Ed's turn now. Take mate. Steve.
Hahaha thanks Steve
Very good review. And you find these rare gems. Such excellent research, first class language and respect for the old world classy stuff. That’s what I appreciate.
Aww thank you mate. You're far too kind. It really does mean a lot :)
Thank you from NZ - just bought an immaculate 1972 model. Happy days!
Very well presented. A slight correction though, the recessed grille of '69 was of all-metal construction.
A good essay. I had 3 of them. My first I drove from New York to Vancouver in 1969. Sure there were faster and more dynamic cars available, but the B was an uncomplicated every day car that you could enter Club events at the weekend & have a lot of fun. That still holds true today.
Thanks Péter.
Love the MGB GT. I had two in succession. A black one follwed by a yellow model. Before that I had an MG Midget.
I purchased a brand new Harvest Gold with Black Interior 1974 MGB GT from Ritter Brothers Automotive Sales of Midlothian Illinois USA for $4500.00 in November of 1973.
It had the stock chrome bumpers, MG Mag Wheels, and a dealer installed in-dash AM/FM 8 Track Stereo Radio. I wish I still had that car today! Great memories! THX!!!
Great review thanks . Never had a MGB but I did have an NG kit car based on a MGB . I had a midget and loved it but when I first got it I had a devil of a job getting out with the roof up .
Thanks Andy :)
I have a 1972 MGB with the original hard top and a 1976 MGB with the rubber bumpers. They’re both daily drivers and so much fun to drive
Good morning Mate. Very interesting vid again, always loved the MG B GT, the design is just perfect. And this colour is just stunning. Thanks for the in depth history on again a British icon. Stay safe during lockdown!
Thanks so much mate :)
That's a beautiful MG. A credit to its owner. Would love to see a driving review sometime. :-)
So would I. Unfortunately I just don’t have the insurance to do so.
@@TwinCam That's a shame but the MG B looked fantastic in yellow. :-)
I had an early US spec (last of chrome bumpers) ‘74 MGB/GT in Teal Blue/Autumn Leaf interior, with that very same sliding sunroof. My favorite car to this day!
@@larrymcsorley9899 Sounds good, great looking cars :-)
@@TwinCam what would insurance cost over there for something like that ??
I look forward to all your posts. This is a particularly excellent one.
Aww thank you Philip, that’s very kind ☺️
Thanks for a great review. Brought me back to the days of uni when my second roommate drove a BRG Roadster. Good times were had with it : )
Thanks John ☺️
The GT had a larger frontscreen which made it look more harmonious. And when I changed my first Cooper S Mini into a new, I tried to find one, but luckily I then bought a BMW 2002, which actually functioned well, opposite my Mini!!!
Brilliant review interesting to hear the story. l had a 1974 BGT in harvest gold with overdrive, l used it as an only car for many years, great fun to drive, loved every minute of it.......
Thanks mate ☺️
Great colour, mum had a 1975 Mini in the same colour. I had a GT V8 until five years ago in Glacier White with rubber bumpers. Unfortunately the lack of funding for development and new models goes back a lot further than BL although that coupled with BLs other problems ultimately finished all the marques under their umbrella except Jaguar and Land Rover.
It certainly does. I mean, example one of that is the Farina saloons still being in production in 1971!
I had this car same year and same colour citron. . The happiest times and I absolutely loved it.
Thank you. Good summary but you failed to mention those obsolete lever arm dampers that should have been replaced by telescopic dampers before the end of the sixties. Please keep it up.
What a brilliant review! Your use of language is very impressive and engaging. Add in your excellent research and knowledge and you get a very watchable 13 minutes! Great stuff Ed.
The captain of my 2nd XI cricket team in the mid 1980's had the exact same car but in brown. Two cricket bags in the back made visibility impossible out of the back window. He loved the car and enjoyed hurtling it around the country lanes of Devon.
Thanks Phillip! ☺️
That means a lot.
I don't think MG ever made a bad looking car, great informative vid as usual Ed.
Had myself a 67. It was fun. Lived in Tucson and early Sunday mornings I'd race up the mountain road.
Brilliant review Ed, really enjoyed this. You’ve touched up perfectly on all points of the B, the MGB is a very fun car to drive and own. I did notice that can of Old Speckled Hen in the boot too, a much needed feature for us MG owners! Keep up the great work mate 👍🏻
Cheers Keiran, it means a lot :)
Nice review, you present your videos with great confidence and in an easy to follow style.
I've just sold my 1969 BGT. Beautiful car and a cracking drive - but best used in find weather. The bodywork is so prone to rust and needs constant maintenance if you can't garage the car. Mind you, mine had all the attention underneath - this example is so typical of these cars, spotless on the outside and grubby under the bonnet. Looks like it gets enjoyed, which is great.
Thanks mate, that’s very kind ☺️
Great video, Ed. Beautiful cars, and a lovely example. Back in the early 80s, a neighbour in Toronto had a pair of BGTs. The 69 was his daily driver, summer and winter. Somehow, it never rusted. His 65 was a racing/rally car. I helped him work on the 69 a few times, and fell in love. I test drove one of the last Bs, a 1980 Special Edition in triple black with silver striping. Loved the car, but there was a fault in the gearbox. It would try to engage reverse and 1st at the same time. I walked away from it. Always regretted not getting it. The reason for the raised suspension for 1965 was to move the bumper up to regulation height in the North American market. The original height meant the crash structure of the car was lower that all other cars, so even a minor shunt created a lot of damage, often to the occupants.
Excellent video review Ed, well done!
Thanks David ☺️
Good stuff but surprised you didn't make more of the MGB GT V8. My wife had one (in citrus yellow) for several years. It had earlier been an undercover police car trawling for speeders along the M4 corridor. There was a roll up Police sign in the rear window which the driver deployed by pulling on a sort of lavatory chain arrangement dangling my his head. Lovely car, effortless performance - we still miss it.
Yes, I didn’t go much into it as I think it deserves its own full video!
Very enjoyable. I had 2 of these and my dad had one 45 years ago so they are familiar friends 👍🏻
Outstanding video and presentation. The Roadster is my favorite even though I also own a 68 MGC Gt.
Awesome review. Always had a soft spot for the MG B. Especially the GT. I always look forward to your uploads.
Thanks Richard, that’s very kind ☺️
Another great vid. I had a mg midget as a young man as my daily then got back into mgs when I bought a 1965 "pull handle“ which had an hilarious roof more like putting up a tent with removable poles when it rained. Fun though!
I always loved the MGB GT as a kid, and I remember I had a die cast model of one. Such a beautiful car!
Hey Ed, irrespective of views on MGB's. that is a beautiful condition example and, one fine, professional and informative review
Thanks Ian :)
Thank you for doing a review on one of my favourite cars . I am now restoring my 1967 mgb gt I have had for 40 years since I was 16 with my son .
With living in Canada I never drove it in winter so it’s still in good shape .
An you please do a review on one of my other cars I have ?
I have a 1975 Jensen Healey one of the last produced before they switched over to the GT version and passed into history:(
By the way my Jensen only has 28000 miles and only driven of beautiful days .
Thanks for all the great reviews!
Thanks so much David!
I’d like to do any Jensen to be fair, but they don’t exactly grow on trees! That being said, if ever I do get offered one I’ll jump at it ☺️
@@TwinCam Too funny ! And that’s what attracted me to mine :) Funny story but I needed a new fuel tank for it and everywhere I looked it was going to be $1000 cdn . I ended up ordering an aluminum one from comp-brake in England and they shipped it to me from Liverpool in 3 days after manufacturing it ! I am completely impressed on the quality of workmanship they do .
The reason I mentioned this is I’m sure this might make an interesting UA-cam segment of some of the creative auto people that you can only find in England .
It’s the car Brits dreamed of.
Would still love one all these years later.
I really must do some work! Father in law rebuilt a few MGBs in the late 80s and early 90s. They were affordable and usable classics at the time. Usually required some underfloor/sill repairs plus suspension fettled. I never drove one but thought they were a bit poor to ride in though much better than the Midget. You hit the nail on the head with all the BL in-house squabbling. Simply too many marques all fighting their corner. My cousins ran TR 4s 5s and 6s before they were fashionable to collect and would argue they were superior to the MGB offing. The argument particularly strengthened by IRS and 6 cyl engines in the later Triumphs. Who thought it a good idea to put a 1950s truck engine in the MGC? At that point BMC were in a proper muddle. I have read, re the Rover V8 in the BL era, that Rover were reluctant to allow the engine to be used outside of the Rover product, citing supply issues.
Brilliant video Ed. I'm biased though because I have a 1972 MGBGT. Mine is a rarity though as it is an automatic. Only a small number were made during a five year period. I absolutely love it and yes, its lines are simply lovely. So many, many thanks for featuring this car.
Thanks Clive ☺️
Brilliant Video! I have a 76 two owner MGBGT, (in need of restoration) have owed 3 in total! Great cars, many thanks dx
I have had my 1975 MGB GT Jubilee for 25 years. A fun car to drive on B roads, holds its own on the motorway. It will never win any speed records but it is a lovely easy car to drive.
I utterly, utterly loved this episode. OMG, British Leyland just couldn’t put a foot (tyre) right. But designed some great cars, only to stuff up their production. Talking of production, your presentation skills, filming, editing etc., just get better and better. I presume that you write you own scripts and congratulate you on them. I especially enjoy your “In my opinion” comments as they really convey your love of, and interest in, the vehicle that you are presenting. When do you get a gig on TV?
I was wondering when you’d get to the MGB GT. Another fantastic take on my favorite car! (Although, I am partial to my BRG 1970 MGB roadster)
Thanks Roger ☺️
Excellent video as always Ed, and what a stunning MG
Thanks again mate :)
Top video Ed.. Thanks for noting the performance figures in Kws. and Nm. in your vids. Lots of research to get that put together. 👍
Thanks Peter :)
I have to agree , that is a very beautiful car. Excellent review mate 👌👌
Thanks mate ☺️
Excellent presentation on one of my favorite cars, great job.
Oh how I wish I still had mine
Thanks Brian :)
Years ago I had a 1970 MGB. Thanks for the memories!
Really enjoy your channel. You present the information very well as I wish I had been able to do at your age.
Thanks mate ☺️
Good review, enjoyed that. Have to agree with you about the GT looking better than the roadster. I ran a 1973 GT as my only car from 2007 to 2015. They are very practical classics indeed, although by the end I grew a bit bored of it. The sills were rotten so I let it go for £1500, and moved onto a Triumph Spitfire. Less practical, less powerful but feels faster.
Thanks mate :)
My brother had one of these, he said he liked it, but said it was boring to drive compared to the minis, triumph spitfires and rover p6 he had later on. It drove very nicely and had great interior. Although the biggest flaws with the MGC and MGB V8 was that the handling went to shit, later versions of the car also got uglier and all because of safety. It was a shame it went so wrong really, it was a great little car.
Nice presentation! I so miss my beautiful, blue '67 (best year) B-GT that I had in '68-'70. Altho wire wheels are beautiful, they're heavy & not very rigid, so I'd opt for alloy wheels. & electronic ignition would be a worthy upgrade. The Pininfarina design is exquisite.
Another grand video, Ed - keep up the good work!
Thanks mate :)
Great video. Brilliantly presented. I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to more. I am so tempted to get an MGB GT as a stable mate for my MGB Roadster.
Your channel has come a long way.
Well-done and keep it up! 😊
Thanks Christopher ☺️
for me the best fast back balanced sport car produced ever !
Brilliant vid, well researched and fabulously presented. Thanks so much.
P.S. The car's rather good too.
Thanks John, that's very kind :)
Good vid! The 'B' is still a great car to drive, but I prefer the balanced handling of the MGA. I've driven an early '55, and a MK II. The MGB's ('65, '73) I drove were faster, but didn't feel as sure footed as the 'A'. I wonder how much a 1798cc engine would perk up the 'A's performance. Might be the best of the lot.
Great video and analysis. I love this car and you did its wonderful history and character justice.
Thanks Don, that's very kind :)
Fantastic video. It has been a long time since I last watched a video on your channel.
I always wondered whether those foldable roofs existed as a factory option.
Many thanks and greetings from very cloudy Belgium!
Thanks mate :)
Great video, well researched.
Thanks mate ☺️
Your really good at this, I dont watch 99% of car related channels on youtube because I dont like the presentation but, you nail it!!. very well researched and very well spoken. You and Harry's Garage are my two favorites. Keep up the good work!! how do we get you more subscribers?
Aww thank you Justin, that's very kind :)
The best thing is always to just share the videos far and wide!
Ive always liked more obscure cars as opposed to the obvious favorites. It great to see what you guys had over there. I really struggle to find a channel here that focuses on obscure U.S. models. We’ve had some odd ones.
When you inside the B, you and the car look suited to each other. Perhaps Melvin's sporty brother?
Thanks Simon, I’d love one of these, but it probably won’t happen very soon! 🥺
@@TwinCam join the club I’ve always wanted an MGB too, I’ve always promised myself one and I’ve saved up a fair bit to get one but they’ve certainly crept up in price lately, I think I’ll go for one of the rubber bumper cars as they’re still bargains but starting to climb in value, I’ve joined the MG car club and have started to do homework for when I start to look at cars for sale, next step for me is to actually drive one to get the feel for one. But if you get a white GT in the future it’d match Melvin perfectly
Yeah, I bought a 1960 MGA 1600 Roadster around 1979 or 1980 ($2,500). I was in my early 20's. That sports car was such a pain in the you-know-where. But when she wanted to run like a good girl, she ran hot! But alas, I had to get rid of her, and it did break my heart when I did around 1984 or 1985. Some guy took her off my hands, and I guess they were both happy. There are times I do miss my 1960 MGA 1600 Roadster.
Great review, totally agree the design was spot on.
Thanks mate, that’s very kind ☺️
I like the pretty standard MGB-GT, no wires.... Minilites perhaps, or steel wheels, overdrive, and maybe sunroof. Super car !
Great review, such a gorgeous design.
Thanks Michael ☺️
I agree completely.
I should have loved to own one of these as I agree they were a superb design. Another reason were my initials 'MGB'. My parents must have known I'd become a car buff.
I was looking forward to this day, the MG BGT is a great car. was gonna get one but i settled with a Triumph Vitesse instead
Roverjoe, I'm with you. Not many triumphs but MGs, to many. Thing is, it's all good. Have fun..
much better dashboard, for a start ! :-)
Great review. I has a 1975 a long time ago. It was fun to drive and easy to work on. Typical British vehicle it always marked it’s spot.
I had '72 MGB-GT once, honey comb black grille. I wish I had another one.
I've just discovered your channel and am very impressed. You research the cars well and draw out of your research some interesting facts and you show off the cars well. Well done. I have subscribed and am looking forward to watching all your old videos and those yet to come. If you ever want to do a piece on a 1954 Riley RME, you're welcome to mine. I don't know where you are but I'm in the West Midlands. Keep up the good work :-)
Aww thank you mate, that's very kind :)
Is there any chance you could email me?
twincamcars@gmail.com
The definitive British sports car in my opinion - the poor man’s E-Type
Also on a side note, if someone told me I had to go out and buy a classic car tomorrow, I would buy an MGB GT
Go out and buy a classic car. 😂
I would buy an E-type
@@adriancaldwell yeah E-Types are beautiful cars
Great video again Ed, I had a couple of GTs and would regularly drive between Germany and England when I lived there. Perhaps the spiritual successor is the mx5, perhaps you could compare one day. Hope you keep the vids coming.
Thanks Mark :)
Fantastic video Ed. If you ever want to drive a V8 powered one and find yourself in the States, you're always welcome.
Thanks mate :)
I used to have an orange '72 MGB-GT and I loved it. Sadly I had to get rid of it because it got so rusty that, when I jacked it up with the supplied tire jack it actually sank on the jack! These cars simply weren't made for and couldn't survive US Midwest winters and frankly should be stored for the winter if they are to be enjoyed. I still miss it dearly!
My grandads got one of theses I love it and so does he
you are absolutely right
Great video mate ! nice cars too! That jumper suits you !🤣😁👌 your confidence and knowledge is brilliant ! didn't realise they made them in the US
Thanks Eral :)
@@TwinCam your welcome Ed :)
Another great one Ed...well done. Love the colour on that MG.
Thanks again Dave ☺️
Great review of one of my favourite cars.
Thanks Hugo ☺️
Getting really professional there Ed
Loving the Woodard-Ness 👌
The BL recessed grill was black Aluminium not plastic, I have a brand new old stock grill in my loft, which I bought in the 80s.
Good video, they are great cars, I’ve got two a GT I have own for over 40 years and a roadster for 25 years.🇬🇧👍
Yes, sorry about that!
I never clicked so fast soon as i seen the recommendation