The MGB GT was a Poor Man's Aston Martin

[@bobdadruma]

I'm 66 years old. I had owned a 1968 MGB in the late 1970's. Is was in poor condition but I loved it! I recently bought a 2023 Mazda MX-5. I have financial means and I could have purchased almost any supercar that is currently available but I wanted the modern version of my old MGB. Simple pleasures are the best. It's not about power and speed, it's about pure fun and relaxation.

[@HattedMan]

If I could I would throw the all the great British roadsters a memorial with full honours

[@chrisadams6595]

I've got an mgb GT and I would honestly say it's the best sports car . Looks great , goes well lovely to drive , great gear change , sounds fantastic, Parts are so cheap and the car is really the best. No major faults , and every body loves them and you . People shout great car at stop lights. The other great thing is the 1.8 litre engine is exactly the right size. A 3 litre or 4 litre car takes 10 miles to warm up, you can't really use a big engined car to drive down to the shops. The MGB is good for long distance and local city driving. Everyone should drive one at least once.

[@bryanwigmore7224]

I went from a 1980 MGB roadster (last edition) to a Mk1 MX5. It felt perfect -- captured all the best things in the MGB (except maybe it didn't feel quite so torquey) and added so much more goodness. I'm now on my third MX5 and I imagine will be driving them until I can physically no longer do so. I think if I had the money I might go back to a Mk1, fully restored and with a few subtle upgrades.

[@christophercoffey4231]

Roadline do a replica 150k v8.

[@bgordone]

Wonderful presentation, thanks. Loved the vintage films. I've been driving a 1963 MGB since 1969 and currently has about 350,000 miles on it. For years, it was my only car and hauled a 5 piece drum set between NY and MA year round. It's actually been quite reliable.

[@tompugh6917]

I agree completely with your comments, the GT is a classicly beautiful car. I bought a Mark 1 GT back in 1988 with the idea of restoring it to factory condition. I accomplished said goal in a rather lengthy 6 year period. I did all the work myself with the exception of the final paint, BRG of course, with black interior, O/D and wire wheels. It looks great and attracts fair amount of attention. I subscribe to the old saying, "I'd rather drive a slow car quickly than a quick car slowly."

[@bradlawson2922]

Bought a 69' GT (left hand drive) that had been delivered in the UK for vacation travel and shipped back to the US for final sale. All US spec with the exception of the radio which would had an unusual broad frequency range that allowed listening to air traffic control interchanges. Loved that car and went through two engines in 125,000 miles. Reluctantly sold it 16 years later with New England winters taking a toll on the sheet metal. I do agree that they were a handsome vehicle. The factory installed overdrive made it perfect for long distance touring and I'm sure contributed to the first engine's reliability. I kept it stock with no performance parts other than an Abarth exhaust system. Only sports car I had back then that could defrost it's windshield. Current project is s TVR 2500 M that would easily run circles around my GT. Thanks for bringing back the pleasant memories.

[@kellybrickey4300]

I recently bought an MGB GT. I was actually registered at the Portland ABFM this year (2024), but my car said no , so I drove the boring minivan up from socal ( at least my early registration got his picture put in the book! LOL). I've always loved the British cars. You can drive them hard on a twisty road and just giggle. A new anything with a zillion horsepower is only good for accelerating. All your gonna feel on a twisty road in one of those things is anxiety. I'm 63, and when I was a kid there were lots of "cool" college guys renting rooms in our neighborhood. They drove British sports cars. I got to be the pest from next door who begged them to let me "help" work on the car. I vowed I would have one. Now I've had several, But I think my GT is my favorite out of the bunch. Thanks, I really enjoyed this . BTW, You mentioned them using a v6 in the GT, but I think it was only ever the Austin 3 liter straight 6, wasn't it? Of course, they did have the MGB GT v8 later.

[@johnwinter9722]

My ‘65 B roadster has been in my life since it was brand new and I was 12 and visiting my grandparents in the Bay Area. I was already a fan of “The Red Car.” In 1977 I bought the B from my grandfather and drove it home to MN. 47 years later I still own it. It is s single repair surviver with recent refurbishment and a handful of upgrades such as an alternator and Petronix ignition. A true treasure and I am honored to be its caretaker for all of these years. Oh yes, it is red with black interior and still sports is original disc wheels and hubcaps. The motor has never been rebuilt but it has a replacement overdrive transmission.

[@bloomz1]

I came close to buying a Lotus Europa, but decided I wanted the GT instead and bought my GT in 1969 - from the factory, picked it up in London. Drove it to North Africa, all around Europe, shipped back to the west coast, and sold it same year. 52 years later, I found it in a friend's collection (over 100 cars), after sitting in his pole barn for ~30 years. - A "barn find" of sorts and when I discovered it was my car - I have to have it back! It's in my garage now, and makes me smile every time I open the door. I chose well back in 1969 - lol

[@billkeldsen8614]

My first car was a ‘72 MGB Roadster. My brother convinced me in ‘81 to not buy the muscle cars I was testing out. He mentioned that I’d probably wrap the ‘70 Challenger R/T with a 426 Wedge and pistol grip stick around a telephone pole the first day. He said that girls love a ragtop. He was right. Many weekends I was traveling to the coast with the newest girl on my arm. Fun to drive but a heartbreaker. Sitting on the side of the road became far too common. My brother also told me to go buy a tool chest for the trunk along with the many fluids that it required. Sold it in ‘84. Still have fond memories of it.

[@bartscarstories]

Fantastic. I'm sure those were good times

[@UberLummox]

Been driving unrestored '60 - early '70s beaters my entire life, and STILL do. The real tough ones like my ChryCo. cars and my SAAB 96 & 95s pretty much never die or leave/left me stranded. Just got a '67 Jaguar 420-compact. We'll see how that goes, haha.

[@steveburke7675]

Girls and a convertible...red convertable even better. I guess they just want to be seen. I had a red 71' Triumph Spitfire (tho I lusted after the "B") and never had a problem finding a pretty girl to drive home after school. Years, no decades later I bought a 04' Miata...oh the memories...plus it started up every time.

[@alfredharrison8190]

They were the fun cool cars when I was in high school and college. I couldn’t afford one as a student but I was able to buy my dream car from second grade, a 1953 MGTD. So fun to drive especially on windy mountain roads. When the GT came out, it was very exciting to see one go by on the road. Those were the days when all of us sports car drivers would wave to one another as we passed by. All the cars between have been basic transportation without the fun factor. I now have a 2016 Fiesta ST hatchback: faster slow car fun. I have many friends with Miatas but the MG will always remain my iconic sports car. Great video, thank you!

[@DanteTheAbyssalBeing]

The MG B GT was the last line of cars built in the MG factory in my town, Abingdon, UK. There are still big meets in Abingdon town centre every year, with tonnes of old MGs turning up. Beautiful thing to see.

[@hughwalker5628]

Agree totally. There are too few real sports cars which people can realistically aspire to. We need them!

[@trusstingod]

Watching the outtakes makes me appreciate the care you put into your channel. Thank you.

[@aeroearth]

A friend at work had a red MGB GT with chrome wire wheels that looked immaculate. I had a dark blue Triumph Vitesse 2 litre Mk II with overdrive and fully independent suspension front and rear. So one lunch time we went off to compare the two by driving each others cars. His MGB GT did about 85 mph when a top end misfire developed. My Vitesse did 105 mph and was still accelerating. My friend was suitably impressed. Later I got 115 mph out of it. Lotus used the Triumph Vitesse suspension and steering rack asembly in their Lotus Elan. After the comparison test I forgot about lusting after an MGB GT though did look at an MGC GT with the C series British Leyland 3 litre engine but that was so nose heavy, I forgot about that too.

[@racketman2u]

and there was a GT version of the Vitesse anyway; the GT6!

[@ralphspayd6347]

Been driving MGB's since 1967. I've owned 6 over the years with 2 being GT's. They are by far my most favorite. Very practical and great looking cars. Had 2 TVR's, one a 2500M and currently a 280i. Love the British quirks, SU carbs and even Lucas wiring 😊

[@ericcriteser4001]

I have a '66 and a '77; both roadsters and they're both super-awesome little cars. Thanks for the share.

[@coldlakealta4043]

over here in Canada the vestigial backseat and top resulted in slightly lower insurance fees, as it was judged not to be as "sporting" as an open 2-seater. It was just one of the many reasons my Father loved it so much.

[@energyasylum997]

I bought an MGB Roadster in 2002 for $1,000 here in Southern California. It was a runner and registered, British Racing Green paint, with black and beige interior! It was absolutely reliable, but I sold it to buy another car. 🫤. Fun little drivers! My nextdoor neighbor bought a Spitfire because of my MG, and my buddy bought a Fiat Spider too. Good times!

[@UberLummox]

Wow, what a great video! Had/have PILES of '60s-early '70s cars, but never an MG. Just got a '67 Jaguar 420-compact. Love it!...so far 😁

[@brexitmotoring]

I’ve had a ‘69 GT for six years now. I absolutely love it. Perfect for city driving, rain or shine, it looks good. I’ve been using it as a daily for a couple of years now, and it’s the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. Would highly recommend getting one if you are starting your venture into the classic sports car world.

[@forestghost7]

about city driving - I've tweaked my 72 GT to 140 HP (engine from Moritz Racing, Philadelphia) and w the 6 speed overdrive and A/C it's my long road trip car. and it too is most reliable (and fun!) car I've ever had

[@phillipmitchell5879]

Thx! - Nice review. I loved my blue '67 MGB-GT, perhaps the best year - 5 main bearings & the most potent of the 1800cc engine at c. 95 HP. It had the painted wire wheels - I would have preferred steel or alloy. The wires were heavy & flexy, but looked great. Crackle-painted dash, chrome bumpers, & that timeless Pininfarina design. Sporty, fun, practical too w/ the hatchback & carrying capacity. How I'd LOVE to have 1 again!! (Maybe w/ a Miata engine & 5-spd. trans.) 'Also had a '66 Triumph Bonneville back then, but that's another love story...

[@mescko]

Miata engine/gearbox swaps are quite common along with GM V6's (3.1/3.4, even some 3800's). V8 swaps common too, Rover as well as Ford/Chevy SB.

[@phillipmitchell5879]

Thank U! I'm inclined toward the Miata swap as it'd be closer to the character of the car & I don't need a lot of power above 150 or 160 HP for the MG. Do you recommend finding a donor Miata or buying new engine / tranny?@@mescko

[@hotchkissart]

I had two MGB-GT`s and I painted them both birch silver.

[@donmassey6955]

Had a 70'B split bumper my first car as a teen given to me by my father in mid 70's. It's the only car Iv'e ever been in an actual race with from point A, high school parking lot, to Point B, a church parling lot, between to other friends. Was pitted between a 70's Vega and similar era 283' Mustang. Used to kid the guy about when gonna race me in that 'Cosworth' Vega as intended that as put down on his standard mill. He eventually got tired of hearing me so the challenge was on with the Stang guy hearing wind of it showing up the day of race wanting to participate. Anyway's we started and naturally the Stang got out in front with its HP and I was in pursuit on the same route. Vegas guy inexplicably opted for a different route early on so never saw him again untill the end of the race. These were all 2 lane roads and naturally were speeding but God was it exciting as a teen. I would catch the Stang on all the curves and he would pull away in the straight aways. I got ahead thou on his misfortune as his muffler fell down percipitating him to pull off the road and gave him a big ole hand snub to the nose as I drove past him! I arrived minute's later with no sign of Vegas guy and swear was a full 2 minutes till he eventually showed up. His response we he saw me was utter frustration and beat his hands against the steering wheel, an image I'll never forget. We didn't have a bet on the race just bragging rights. I told him I'd been waiting a full 2 minutes and don't think he really believed me. Either his route was longer or he obeyed more of the speed limit so never really found out for sure. Point I'm making as this is the most fun I had in the little B, and there were many, and wish I still had it.

[@louisgiokas2206]

In the late 1970s I had both a MGB and an Austin Healey Sprite Mark IV (as well as a Triumph Bonneville and 250). Both were 1969 production. My house was a real workshop with a garage at basement level. My brother and our friends were always over working on cars. Both cars were heavily modified by me. Both had Weber carbs and tuned exhausts. They were fun to drive and fun to work on. I put a tube shock conversion kit on the rear of the B. On the Sprite I put track filler caps on the lever shocks. Boy, you could really feel the road. Oh, and both had wider, better tires. We did lots of other little mods to the engines as well. They were both fast (for the time and what they were) and incredibly fun to drive. Sadly, I don't have any of the vehicles I mentioned anymore. I got to know the cars so well, that once, on a lonely, dark country road, the lights went out. I didn't have a flashlight. I was so familiar with the car that I reached under the hood and pulled the proper fuse and replaced it all by touch. I still have all the tools needed to rebuild the engine. Maybe I should get one again. I have lots of room in my 3-car garage.

[@mescko]

Do it!!

[@louisgiokas2206]

@@mescko Probably will happen. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@roo1314]

Great video and oh so true. A Porsche is a sports car? Not. It's a racing machine and an expensive status symbol. I've owned a Healey Sprite and an AH 3000 MK3. Terrific fun. Wish I still had them, especially the Sprite.

[@RichardChynoweth]

Great video! You nailed it in your conclusion. The car is just so much fun to drive. I got mine when I was 18, that was 24 years ago. Every time I drive my B it brings as much joy as the first time I got behind the wheel. I'm never without a smile on my face when driving it.

[@GavinThomas-pix]

My classic stable consists of 1971 MGB, 1982 Honda FT500 and 1990 Suzuki Intruder 750. All "unpopular" but all have served me well for over 30 years each.

[@barryhughes1612]

My late father owned an MGB and an MGC so I have a built in fondness for them. I have owned a Midget and an MGB GT as a result of that and a number of MGF and TF's. I now run a Mazda MX5 NC. Thanks for a very good review.

[@audiophil4946]

Another great video, thanks! I've owned my 72 MGB GT for nine years now, and it's my daily driver in the summer. It's fun to drive, surprisingly practical, and people love it everywhere. Despite the reputation of Lucas electrics, it's very reliable too! Cheers!

[@jeremytaylor1727]

Three years ago the local VW dealership offered to take my Scirocco + a huge amount of cash, and in exchange I could be the proud owner of a VW Polo, I gave the deal great consideration for about half a millisecond, then came the thought that I could spend considerably less money and have a car that I could tinker with, and that was fun to drive, after a search looking at various different cars I settled on the MG BGT, for 1/3 the price quoted for a VW Polo I purchased a 1974 (chrome bumper) Citron Yellow MG BGT. It was a great choice as every time I drive the MG it puts a huge smile on my face, it’s had a few technical issues all of which I have been able to fix myself, a full service kit from the MG Owners Club is £90 so that is the cost of a full service as I do the work myself!!

[@steveallen4589]

Great video. I retired in May and bought my first MG BGT. I've always wanted once since I was a kid. I agree with everything you say in this video. Thank you for doing it.

[@devlinmclean]

My parents had the roadster MGB, and in highschool I remember a few times riding in the "back seat".... Basically on the bench where the battery was housed. Loved it and would rather do that than have us take the other car

[@MichaelHaller-p9l]

I have had 5 Bs…64, 68 roadster & GT, and (2) 72 roadsters……they were the most fun cars I have ever owned…I drove the 64 the 68 GT and one of the 72s on cross country trips and lived to talk about it. They were the best driving trips ever!!! The 64 had the fold up top and frame and I once drove to Oklahoma from the east coast without even taking the top…brave but at 65mph the rain only hits the forehead.. I’d have a B now but doubt I could easily get in and out, but what great memories🤗

[@StupStups]

Great video, really enjoyed watching. Me and my ex bought a 1973 BGT in 'blaze red' (orange) in 2007ish. Broke down a lot in the first 18 months, but it eventually became a very practical classic. Drove it from London to Holland for a festival one summer, and also briefly used it to commute up to the Lake District (a 5-hour drive) at weekends for work. Once it became reliable I began to find it less stimulating to drive, as ridiculous as that sounds. Took a Mk3 Spitfire for a test drive one day and was bewitched by the revvy little 1300cc engine, and sold the MG shortly after. Remember it fondly but don't regret moving over to Triumphs, of which I now own three.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Great video. I am from the UK and grew up in this era. I love the MGB GT and the upgraded modern « resto mods » are great as well. They still look good today.

[@simonlilley]

I have had a 1975 BGT for 25 years now. Love it to bits. John Thornley always liked the Aston Martin shape and the design that Pininfarina came up with adapting the MGB to become the BGT takes his wish on board and makes it happen. It is a lovely car to drive around country lanes. Not always the quickest but a lovely car to actually drive rather than just steer.

[@MyCarFilm]

This is a great short video and has rekindled my mgb buying thoughts...About 30 yrs ago I had a 1978 rubber bumper Roadster...loved driving on warm summer nights with hood down......but had to stop at petrol stations way too often, it was really slow and terrible roadholding..... managed to recreate the UK "slippery surface" road sign skid marks (google it...I thought it was physically impossible) on a single track lane after a LH bend over a gentle hill......had long strands of grass seed heads in both front and rear bumper but the figure of 8 skid marks showed that the wheels didn't leave the road.....i bought a vw polo off a friend after the mgd and that drove like a sportscar....and didn't stop at petrol stations at all....now in my old age a slow classic is more appealing.....gone down the P1800s route but still think the mgb is a great car ...roadster or gt.

[@edowens9481]

I've owned an MG-B with wire wheels. (Splines stripped out while braking. An expensive repair.) And a Miata. I swear that they are the same car! Wonderful fun to drive, even in Texas among the trucks on the road.

[@davidhorowitz4037]

I swear i will buy one of these

[@forestghost7]

I hope you can bro! I've had my 72 GT 22 yrs now, still rust-free, it's tweaked to 140 HP and carries me 1000 miles a month reliably... wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING 🇬🇧

[@tompugh6917]

Agree totally with your comments about power and fun. As the owner of both a B/GT and a B roadster I thoroughly enjoy them both. I subscribe to the theory, "I would rather drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow."

[@mortenrasmussen965]

I have always thought the GT version was a stunning design. It was only after I bought one, a 1975 V8, that I found out it was designed by Pininfarina. What a mlook, what a feel when driving it, and what a sound track from the Rover V8. I just love it.

[@loveisall5520]

I lived in Texas in the seventies when I was a student at the Univ. of Texas and, while not owning one of these, had a couple of friends that did. I was driving an old '61 Chevy Biscayne, textbook stripper--except it had an underdash a/c. That little GT could just roast people in our Texas heat. I never saw one with air conditioning; would one fit? For cooler climates I bet it was just fine, but so much of the time we'd default to my very slow (straight six, 3/tree) Biscayne for that a/c!

[@ianactually]

Great video thanks, and I agree totally with your sentiments. The GT is a stunningly attractive little car even today and most parts for repairs and restoration fairly easy to obtain. My 1970 model is a daily driver come sun, rain or snow and huge fun to drive on twisting country roads.

[@peterredman235]

Excellent ! I never aspired to an MGB GT, but it was everything that you said, and cars like the MX5 deserve and owe their success to the MGB /Lotus Elan.

[@justinboehle7956]

I have a 73' GT and love it. I came a cross it about 10 years ago when shopping for an early Miata (cause I like pop up headlights) and the MGB wound up being less expensive and ironically, also had far less rust than the examples of the Miata available at the time, lol. I agree we need more simple fun to drive budget friendly sports cars. Toyota teased a car along those lines years ago called the SF-R that looked like it could be really good, but I don't think it ever even made it into production T_T

[@AndrewOwen-y9o]

I have just bought my first mgbgt I have all ways had triumph cars but fancied a mgbgt haven bin far on it but up till now I am very happy with it

[@johnmcgill5780]

I drove a 63 B way back when - best ever car for fun and strange in some ways. i.e. two six volt batteries wired in parallel located behind the driver seat. Also an electric fuel pump set into the frame - it had points like a distributor that would eventually corrode and freeze up. I learned to carry a hammer with me so I could beat on the metal frame behind the seat and break the points loose. Must have looked pretty funny.

[@conbertbenneck49]

Ah yes, LUCAS electrical equipment. Among the early American sports car drivers LUCAS was know as the Prince of Darkness. Why? LUCAS invented the intermittent windshield wiper The LUCAS electric fuel pump was designed to fail at 2 AM on a back road when it was raining heavily - the contacts were burned again. ...and then there were the wood screws to hold the connecting wire cap to the battery terminal. This was cleverly designed to stop all electricity from flowing when you already were 5 minutes behind schedule for getting to work. My Austin-Healey had two batteries in series (four battery posts) so the failure rate was double that of a car with only one battery.

[@customkey]

​@@conbertbenneck49 Excellant synopsis on the joy of being at the mercy of Lucas Electrics. I owned 2 big BSA motorcycles and a '63 MGB during the 1960's. You also might be interested in the "Lucas Wiring Harness Smoke" for sale here on YT. A must have for an authentic British restoration.

[@drewbarker8504]

I have a ‘71 BGT in Blaze Orange that I’ve used as a daily for several years until COVID. The fun aspect of thrashing mixed with surprising practicality is what gets me. (Ans let’s not forget the affordability and inexpensive good mods.)

[@nunz1]

I have 1972 MGB GT so Love it!!

[@thenexthobby]

Looking forward to your 240Z retrospective. For many years that was one of my grails.

[@jadams3427]

You really got it right about GTs !

[@Frieghtliner1975]

I also went to the All British Field Meet in Portland, back in the late 80s.

[@Brian-uy2tj]

I've always like this body style and thought it would be a fun car to have.

[@Timinator62]

My Buddy had the MGBGT it was very cool, my Mechanic that did some work on my BWM 2002 Tii, his daughter had the MGCGT which had a bubble on the Bonnet and a 6 cylinder stuffed in it. the CGT was faster, however it was nose heavy and tended to want to spin out if going into corners too fast.

[@Tyrannocaster]

I had a 65 B roadster in the early 70s. Tremendously fun car to drive, but like all British cars it broke down a lot. A few years later I got a 68 GT6 and although it was not quite as refined as the B in some ways, it was a ton of fun with that torquey straight 6, and the swing up E-type hood made it a lot easier to work on. Both were great cars but I would take a GT6 over a BGT any day. And I'd rather have a 60s B roadster than a 60s Spitfire (which I've also owned); no contest.

[@racketman2u]

me too! had both TR6 PI and GT6 mk3, and I'd have loved the TR6 engine in the later GT6! loved the woodgrain dash of the Triumphs. I must admit that though the TR6 was faster than the MGB, they were more stable in the corners.

[@mescko]

I would have to agree. I do like my BGT, but I have had 3 GT6's and would rather have another. Never should have sold my last GT6, I never would have thought that prices would go berserk. A GT6+ in the same condition as my BGT would have been another 5 grand 😨

[@johnstapler5956]

Beautiful cars. I rember them as a teenager. Ahead of its time, Veloster, BRZ for example.

[@tedecker3792]

I’ve owned 3 MG Midgets, an MGB, and a 63 Jaguar XKE. The MGB was the one I liked best!

[@CharlesWelsh-n2c]

My first car in 1984.... a 1967 in blue. wish I still had it

[@ronbarron6072]

I've owned 2 MGB's, an MGA, and an MG Midget. Although I've also owned other marques(Triumphs, Austin Healeys, and Sunbeams) the MG's were always my favorites!!

[@racketman2u]

The MG Midget was actually an Austin Healey!

[@DaveGillespie-w5f]

Had a BGT on my honeymoon 50 years ago and this year on our 50th I need to find one to buy and go on that same trip withe same girl.

[@hendo337]

The GT V8 is a great little car, I would imagine a Rover 4.6 with some mods, a T-5, the suspension, brakes and traction to put it to use would be a prime unit.

[@denzel270]

I'm privileged enough to won one. A joy to drive.

[@artyfhartie2269]

Many years ago, I saw an ad in the now defunct British magazine Punch of a V12 MGB. V12. I wish I kept my collection of Punch magazines.

[@garyives1218]

Drinking an Old Speckled Hen while watching this :)

[@jrharryman32]

My neighbor had an mg gt about 20yrs ago and a goofy Crosley. The best GT made after a convertible is the BMW Z3 M. The clown shoe is a love it or hate it car. When they put the e46 M3 engine in them they are awesome little cars.

[@scott4482]

As a previous owner of two MGBs, I can only say I wish I had found a MGB 6

[@judih.8754]

Never owned one but I love the look of the GT. Beautiful. I agree about the big horsepower issue; never as much fun to drive or push around. My NA Miata never fails to put a smile on my face. My other high HP car is fun but you can only drive so fast on the street.

[@mescko]

It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

[@mattcom2]

Oh yeah....I had an MGB purchased new in 1969 and a Miata, also purchased new in 2012, My first reaction upon driving the Miata was, "This is exactly what the MG should have been". No, it was not the product of advancing technology in the intervening years. It was purely the fact that Mazda's approach to engineering was so vastly superior to the British cars I new and loved (including the '59 MGA which fit like a glove). The cost of a new Miata has pushed it well above affordability for me. But, for those who are younger and more affluent I say buy one! Drive it! Get to know what the post-World-War II sports car enthusiast was really responding to. Sheer joy in driving. A lost concept.

[@hotsoup241]

I've owned and driven many MGB GTs. My current is a factory '73 V8. By far the best one. The aluminum block Rover 3.5 is actually lighter than the BMC b series 4 cylinder, so it handles just as well. The MGC GT was very nose heavy with the cast iron 6 causing understeer when cornering hard, still great touring cars though.

[@mentonish]

Thanks for some great reviews, the midget and mgb gt were some of my first cars. Not fast but lots of fun.

[@radarriau]

The MGB GT does have nice styling all that Crome, etc.. Mazda Miata got it, and took it to the next level.

[@adamchurvis1]

My father gave my mother one of these in a color my mother called "Dead Canary Yellow," which was entirely accurate.

[@stecam]

4:29 there was never a V6 offered in the MGB

[@Jonathan-g8o]

Just got back a/my new 1966 MGB from the mechanic, who freshened and made "safe for spirited backroad driving. I have to now wait 20 days (not planned) until I can drive the car after 14 years stored in a barn. The wait is due to the 14-year "no-op" status by the previous owner while stored. If I were to drive the car, I would have to pay for back registration fees. The car was last "registrations" were in November, so I can wait.

[@davidravenscroft9235]

I'd love to own one now. My youth was spent emptying my bank account weekly on a beautiful TR7. Owned her for 9 years before moving on to a Porsche 944S2. A far superior car in everyway but no where near as much fun!!!!!!!

[@tomcleave2622]

I’ve had a few MGBs as well as many other sporty type cars from Capris to BMW 2002 but my 1967 MGB GT was the most fun to drive around Topanga and Malibu California. Sadly that car and those neighborhoods are gone now forever!

[@hugodrax7111]

Adult in the back seat, ask my sister-in-law. I last went in the back seat of my Dad's when I was 14. Folded in half and sideways, it's fine.

[@Bluebottlenose]

Great video

[@bobhill3941]

I've always loved the early MGB's & GT's before the urethane "nose".

[@forestghost7]

LOL it's true ... ppl ask of my 72 GT "what's that, Aston Martin?" If I feel like playin em I say "YES" 😂

[@jaysloane]

Well said & presented. I've driven & studied these cars and agree with this overview. You didn't get into the heresy of the BL thought process but the British MG company might have survived without their interference. The people who designed and built the MGA, B and GT were car people who made cars others like them wanted to buy and enjoy. The corporate wizards who followed and directed them had no clue.

[@93455Driver]

Had a from factory V8 MGB GT back in the day, was a very good looking car, but cannot say it was fun to drive.

[@jefferywylie4456]

I grew up on BMC/British leyland cars from early sixties to mid seventies. If you had basic mechanical skills and basic tools with extra fuses, wire and electrical tape in the boot you were rarely on the side of the road very long. There were always other cars like porches and corvettes around etc but the MG’s were always the most fun and 1969 was the best year of all. To this day the 1275cc 1969 midget and sprites are a blast. A street legal go cart you won’t want to get out of, better than a lotus super seven on a budget. I feel sorry for those people who never experienced 1960’s British cars because they missed all the fun. The muscle cars were fun and cool hanging out at the burger joint but if you wanted to DRIVE you bought a MG.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

As a former owner of a new 1966 BMC Mini, I absolutely can't agree! It was an absurdly bad produced car!!! I did like the look of the first MG nosed 1100/1300 though, but I, luckily never got/bought any of those. I bought a new 1970 BMW 2002, which functioned all over!

[@OmarDenarzi]

First comment 😊 thank you for making such fascinating videos.

[@silvafacundo]

Great video!

[@Suprahampton]

I've ridden in the back of an MGB GT when I was 18/19 it was rather uncomfortable at 5ft 6

[@hj9957]

Tures of hearing tjat the MGB was a poor mans Astor Martin. I have had two MGB’s. The MGB is a sport car with it’s own character. It is not a question of price. Poor or not. Thank you otherwise for a nice video! Håkan

[@mescko]

Our 'government' has ensured that there will never be cars like this again. Even the Miata is compromised with a sh*t ton of needless weight that my 'government' dictates has to be there. Now look at the original Lotus Elan. Formed sheetmetal frame, fibreglass body. Period. 1500 lb. and handling that is still legendary.

[@mrjeff413]

I own a 1972 MGBGT and I agree

[@johnmadden2421]

No V6, the MGC was a straight 6. Listen for mention of strong body able to take a "V8 and V6".

[@Retroscoop]

The photoshopped Big Healey looks gorgious !

[@Hoosier_leclere]

Got a 71 for sale in southwest Indiana. Got a ford 2.8 in it. Not perfect but not a pos. 5500

[@philipkiss7962]

There is a reference to a later V6 model. MG never fitted a V6 to the MGB.

[@sirtalkalotdoolittle]

Aston Martin = James Bond. James Bond's first car was a Sunbeam Alpine. Therefore, Sunbeam was the poor man's Aston Martin. QED.

[@tomarmstrong1281]

The MGB was underpowered, uncomfortable, impracticable, very basic, and a whole lotta fun to drive.

[@rover100bunson]

Correction straight 6 not v6 version

[@errorsofmodernism7331]

A drive in an MGB was almost a guarantee that you were going to break down and would have to walk or hitchhike home.

[@mry82]

Wish I had a hard top for my NC Miata!

[@matt3803]

I didn't hear anything about rubber bumpers?

[@rossscalise6100]

You're right but unfortunately, everyone only wants SUVs now

[@greglongphee2034]

That's like saying that.pair of coveralls is a poor-man's tuxedo. The ONLY thing an MGB-GT and Aston Martin have in common is the country of manufacture.

[@TheNextGoogification]

I had small British sports cars back in the.early to mid 80s. They were real fun to drive, you could beat the hell out of them that they would still get 30 miles to gallon. - NO Way would I buy one - after they came out with the Gigundas SUVs. They didn't have them then, so if you got into an accident you would have a chance - you drive something like that and get hit by a gigantic SUV, where the bottom of the bumper is up to my knee cap - not for me.

[@mescko]

You want a small lightweight car, that's the risk you take. SUV? NOTHING fun. I will NEVER own one. I'll take the risk for the fun. Life is too short.

[@markaustin4370]

Drive my saab 9-3 Same experience

[@judih.8754]

Oh yeah! Me too!