Great video! Bitten by the MG bug in 1977 and have had them since, non stop! Love my '74 chrome BGT and the wife's 73 roadster. Now my teenagers are getting into it too!!
Very good piece of filming and well done with the narration that just about sums it up with the world the BGT had to deal with in the early 70s. I'm a big MGB fan from way back, my first here in Oz in 1979 was a three bearing Iris Blue 'pull handle' roadster, followed by a 67 B roadster, then a 67 Sandy Beige GT in 1985 with Webasto (fully imported where as the roadsters were assembled in Oz from CKD). That GT was a beautiful car, I miss it to this day. The first owner in Oz from 67 had made many subtle improvements to the car, which included raising the seat height, electric door mirrors, plumbed in fresh air system with eye ball vents on dash, center console in leather with deep cubby hole and moving the overdrive switch from the dash to a stalk on the steering column. I kid you not this all looked 'factory' so good was it done - but remember he did this in 1967. I moved to UK in 1988 and in 2005 bought an MGC GT Downton Stage 3, wonderful car, went like the clappers. This was followed in 2006 by a 73 BGT, which had been owned by a gent from 1979 to 2006. In 1998 he'd converted it to a V8, with an SD1 V8 and its LT77 box - he was an engineer and (ex RAF Lightning jet pilot), so the conversion was to the highest standard. Wonderful GT. But I still miss my first as all these GTs (as great as they were) always reminded me how the first is always the best in many ways.
I've had a few roadsters in my time, I then moved to a stunning Sandy Beige GT with Webasto in 85 - what a practical car! Later in UK I had an MGC GT (Downton Stage 3) then later I think the best. A 73 Mineral Blue GT converted to a V8 by an ex RAF Lightning jet pilot, she was a beauty and a wolf in sheeps clothing as she looked like a standard 4-cylinder still. Great vid Paul, keep it up and all the very best for future shoots. I still think one of your best was on the Series 1 V8 P6B. Cheers Mark, Australia
G'day Paul....I have a 65 roadster with O.D. I love the little thing but there is always something to work on (a pleasant distraction). Apparently they made only about 3700 of em in 65', 64 was the big production year.
+Scott Sherman Scott - not kept in at least a carport (and covered) is a definite NO! Old cars (not just MGs) will rust at the least provocation, you gotta keep em DRY! That doesn't mean no driving in rain, just means do not put away or leave wet. And for daily driving, unless you're willing to spend $20K or more for a totally restored and fresh one, you need to be prepared for daily maintenance and repairs as well as driving. Ask me how I know ...
I purchased a '71 GT in '95. In was in lovely shape but it had terrible wind noise at highway speeds and I was told it was normal. I sold it as a result. Do they all have excessive wind noise thru the door window frames?
This is the car that I hired for the day in 2016. In poor condition and oil leak in the inside all over my jeans and everywhere. Just hope they could of restored it before I had it. Let's hope it's better now!
I DO HAVE A GT BUT NOW IT IS AS GRAND AS THE ORIGINAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN AS IT NOW IS SPORTING A FORD MUSTANG 5.0 ENGINE, DRIVETRAIN AND SUSPENSION BASICALLY WITH THE GT BODY ON IT. FAST-ER AND DEFINITELY MORE FUN WITH NO BREAKDOWNS.
Pros: The look and feel Cons: Oil leaks, hard to start on cold mornings, being a 40 year old car it will very likely have some issues to fix plus the ones to come
+Neaty89 How mechanically able are you? I love my GT to bits but they are very, VERY hands-on. And Joining the huge online club (MGEXP.com) is a must - I couldn't keep mine w/ out that resource. PS my first car was a '78 Alfa Romeo - what a brave 16 yr old I was LOL
Ive got an MGB as my first car and to be honest it's just amazing. Find yourself a decent insurer or go through the car club or you may never get it insured
A 1972 Blaze red MGB GT was my first car in 1980. Bought from a retired South African Squadron Leader in Sussex by the name of Potgeiter-Potgeiter for £1150. He was reducing the size of his collection. Insurance (3rd party) was difficult to find for a 19 yro and was the then extortionate price of £273. I ran it through University (Liverpool, where I had it resprayed) and the first years of service in the RN. I drove it for 10,000s of miles. 2,000 miles on a skiing holday in teh French Alps. It ran great in the snow. I upgraded the engine to stage 2 and started a Sebring conversion. I got it to the primer stage having replaced the full sill sections both sides using an oxyacetylene welding kit. In the interim, I ran an old English white 1970 roadster whose sill rust was worse than the MGB GT. I recovered the seats in Connelly tan leather. Joining the submarine service meant that I had to sell the MGB GT project to a colleague and buy my only brand new car, an MG Metro Turbo which I ran for 10 years. It was a hoot and not worthy of its detractors. Then after six SAABs (Classic 900, 3 x 9000s (on a Carlsson) , 9-3, and a 9-5 Aero) and a P38 Range Rover I am returning to the fold and have purchased an 1968 MGC GT, with triple Dellorto 45s ....Yoo Hoo! My advice it do it. Become mechanically aware and start tackling jobs yourself. There is lots of information out there. You can do the routine servicing yourself. Its not difficult. Buy one with the best bodywork you can find (i.e. where sills etc have been replaced). The spares support from specialists and the MGOC is fantastic. Much, much better than in 1980. The parts compared to modern cars are incredibly cheap. I found that there was nothing I couldn't achieve in a single garage (or in the street outside my University flat). To my colleagues who think that I am mad buying a 1968 car I reply that all the problems of a car in the 1960s and 1970s have mostly been solved: Batteries, electrics, lights, tyres, suspension, brakes, and (somewhat) rust. I can't be the only one who thinks like this as the UK Classic car business is worth £6 Bn. Good luck.
MGB videos never come at me till they're already old 😢 but I gotta say I will never part with my near mint '72 GT .... rebuilding the motor to near 130 HP has made it immense fun ❤ 😊
Love my 73 MGBGt, not a single problem, always a great drive.
Mad me cry when they put plastic bumpers on them instead of the chrome 😢
Great video! Bitten by the MG bug in 1977 and have had them since, non stop! Love my '74 chrome BGT and the wife's 73 roadster. Now my teenagers are getting into it too!!
That was absolutely fantastic. The presentation and filming techniques were spot on! Could have been on TV!
Agreed. Have always liked Pauls productions., dare I say, "very top gear ish" Love the old B!
Very good piece of filming and well done with the narration that just about sums it up with the world the BGT had to deal with in the early 70s. I'm a big MGB fan from way back, my first here in Oz in 1979 was a three bearing Iris Blue 'pull handle' roadster, followed by a 67 B roadster, then a 67 Sandy Beige GT in 1985 with Webasto (fully imported where as the roadsters were assembled in Oz from CKD). That GT was a beautiful car, I miss it to this day. The first owner in Oz from 67 had made many subtle improvements to the car, which included raising the seat height, electric door mirrors, plumbed in fresh air system with eye ball vents on dash, center console in leather with deep cubby hole and moving the overdrive switch from the dash to a stalk on the steering column. I kid you not this all looked 'factory' so good was it done - but remember he did this in 1967. I moved to UK in 1988 and in 2005 bought an MGC GT Downton Stage 3, wonderful car, went like the clappers. This was followed in 2006 by a 73 BGT, which had been owned by a gent from 1979 to 2006. In 1998 he'd converted it to a V8, with an SD1 V8 and its LT77 box - he was an engineer and (ex RAF Lightning jet pilot), so the conversion was to the highest standard. Wonderful GT. But I still miss my first as all these GTs (as great as they were) always reminded me how the first is always the best in many ways.
I've had a few roadsters in my time, I then moved to a stunning Sandy Beige GT with Webasto in 85 - what a practical car! Later in UK I had an MGC GT (Downton Stage 3) then later I think the best. A 73 Mineral Blue GT converted to a V8 by an ex RAF Lightning jet pilot, she was a beauty and a wolf in sheeps clothing as she looked like a standard 4-cylinder still. Great vid Paul, keep it up and all the very best for future shoots. I still think one of your best was on the Series 1 V8 P6B. Cheers Mark, Australia
Nice overview, of the iconic MGB GT. Cheers Bob
Still have my gt. love the car , hate the fuel pump.
"...rear seats... ish!" XD
My 67 made me feel like I was driving an Aston Martin. ..
I have a '77 and it's brilliant, such a head turner.
G'day Paul....I have a 65 roadster with O.D. I love the little thing but there is always something to work on (a pleasant distraction). Apparently they made only about 3700 of em in 65', 64 was the big production year.
My favourite classic car, always wanted one, hopefully will in the not so distant future:)
I have an orange 72 and I'm not swapping it for anything
Do you recommend me getting one for my first car? It would be daily driven and not kept in a garage.
+Scott Sherman heart says yes, head says no. Paul
+Paul Woodford Haha, yes, exact same dilemma/decision I keep thinking.
+Lord Twaddle I'm with you there, my blue '72 is with me for life as well
+Scott Sherman Scott - not kept in at least a carport (and covered) is a definite NO! Old cars (not just MGs) will rust at the least provocation, you gotta keep em DRY! That doesn't mean no driving in rain, just means do not put away or leave wet. And for daily driving, unless you're willing to spend $20K or more for a totally restored and fresh one, you need to be prepared for daily maintenance and repairs as well as driving. Ask me how I know ...
not my favorite car by a long way but this has to be on of you best "films" you have made. The editing is smooth and the background music is great!
I purchased a '71 GT in '95. In was in lovely shape but it had terrible wind noise at highway speeds and I was told it was normal. I sold it as a result.
Do they all have excessive wind noise thru the door window frames?
Nicely done video, I have watched few times already. MGB GT great little car to have fun with.
Nice insight!
Another superb "Top Gear" like production!
This is the car that I hired for the day in 2016. In poor condition and oil leak in the inside all over my jeans and everywhere. Just hope they could of restored it before I had it. Let's hope it's better now!
So happy I got one
I DO HAVE A GT BUT NOW IT IS AS GRAND AS THE ORIGINAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN AS IT NOW IS SPORTING A FORD MUSTANG 5.0 ENGINE, DRIVETRAIN AND SUSPENSION BASICALLY WITH THE GT BODY ON IT. FAST-ER AND DEFINITELY MORE FUN WITH NO BREAKDOWNS.
Decent presenter very nice car
Beautifully shot video Paul! The MGB GT is my second favourite, after the MGA Coupe :)
Cracking job!
Woodrim steering wheels can be lethal.
Agree or disagree?
great car. Loved mine.
Really thinking of getting an MGB GT as a first car would it be a good choice?
Pros and cons?
Thanks :)
Pros: The look and feel
Cons: Oil leaks, hard to start on cold mornings, being a 40 year old car it will very likely have some issues to fix plus the ones to come
+Neaty89 How mechanically able are you? I love my GT to bits but they are very, VERY hands-on. And Joining the huge online club (MGEXP.com) is a must - I couldn't keep mine w/ out that resource.
PS my first car was a '78 Alfa Romeo - what a brave 16 yr old I was LOL
Ive got an MGB as my first car and to be honest it's just amazing. Find yourself a decent insurer or go through the car club or you may never get it insured
A 1972 Blaze red MGB GT was my first car in 1980. Bought from a retired South African Squadron Leader in Sussex by the name of Potgeiter-Potgeiter for £1150. He was reducing the size of his collection. Insurance (3rd party) was difficult to find for a 19 yro and was the then extortionate price of £273. I ran it through University (Liverpool, where I had it resprayed) and the first years of service in the RN.
I drove it for 10,000s of miles. 2,000 miles on a skiing holday in teh French Alps. It ran great in the snow. I upgraded the engine to stage 2 and started a Sebring conversion. I got it to the primer stage having replaced the full sill sections both sides using an oxyacetylene welding kit. In the interim, I ran an old English white 1970 roadster whose sill rust was worse than the MGB GT. I recovered the seats in Connelly tan leather. Joining the submarine service meant that I had to sell the MGB GT project to a colleague and buy my only brand new car, an MG Metro Turbo which I ran for 10 years. It was a hoot and not worthy of its detractors. Then after six SAABs (Classic 900, 3 x 9000s (on a Carlsson) , 9-3, and a 9-5 Aero) and a P38 Range Rover I am returning to the fold and have purchased an 1968 MGC GT, with triple Dellorto 45s ....Yoo Hoo!
My advice it do it. Become mechanically aware and start tackling jobs yourself. There is lots of information out there. You can do the routine servicing yourself. Its not difficult. Buy one with the best bodywork you can find (i.e. where sills etc have been replaced). The spares support from specialists and the MGOC is fantastic. Much, much better than in 1980. The parts compared to modern cars are incredibly cheap. I found that there was nothing I couldn't achieve in a single garage (or in the street outside my University flat).
To my colleagues who think that I am mad buying a 1968 car I reply that all the problems of a car in the 1960s and 1970s have mostly been solved: Batteries, electrics, lights, tyres, suspension, brakes, and (somewhat) rust. I can't be the only one who thinks like this as the UK Classic car business is worth £6 Bn.
Good luck.
Hmmm interesting a 1972 car given the cods mouth grille, but has 1977 model year C post badges.
I have a 68 love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MGB videos never come at me till they're already old 😢 but I gotta say I will never part with my near mint '72 GT .... rebuilding the motor to near 130 HP has made it immense fun ❤ 😊
Did you write this?
is it possible to get one of these or a midget insured as a daily driver with it being my only car. any info is appreciated 😄
Yes but not recommended.
Auto owners ins..... I drive a 1969 mgbgt as a daily driver for about $350 per year...It is insured for $27,000 ….It's a cherry...
Owned 3 of them, miss the cars do not miss Lucas!
Music ?
Chrome or rubber?
Are you Richard Hammonds cousin? :D
Why not skip the also rans and do a report on the MGB GT V8
There is one of these here in my town that I can buy for $375 but there is a lot of work that needs done to it...
do it!
Fortunately it was designed in the UK by Syd enever
So this car has a metal dash, wouldnt be a 67 down car?
David S non-US markets retained the metal dash years after US imports switched to padded dash due to federal safety regs
👍👍👍
Driven mainly by middle aged upper class ladies in the Netherlands.
But still not many survived; a.k.a. RUST.
Morris Garage
black belt and brown shoes.. please don't
@I'LL BE BACK ! Useful classic GT for holidays 2 adults, 2 dogs and luggage. Don't like the gap between 2nd and 3rd gears. Otherwise OK