MGB: A modified gem that looks bone stock - a Real Road Test

[@mitchellharris9854]

I’m glad to see an MGB on the channel. I’ve daily driven mine for the last 4 years 45,000 miles. Mine is named Henry, I don’t think I’ll ever stop driving it.

[@wedjr97]

We’ve had my 71’ since 1980. Every year (almost) I have to take it back to my mechanic. It it’s almost worth putting a Miata drive train in it to just keep it on the road. But I won’t be able to drive soon and my daughters don’t care about it or my Jag. “But you bought me a Lexus!” No excuse for not learning how to drive. I guess I’ll have to sell them both soon. It makes me want to give the car to one of their boyfriends (who knows if either of them will be around in a year.) But they’ll have a car that I’ve spent so many thousands of dollars to keep them both running. Who cares.

[@jjmonty8090]

@@wedjr97Don’t do it!!! Find a car lover. There’s no joy in seeing others waste your efforts.

[@craigmclean8260]

What a hoot that looked like! Just the right amount of HP increase, w/ a 5-speed box, w/ a magnificent, proper exhaust note...Great camerawork by Ms. HubNut, too, kudos! And hats off to Tim at Cambrian Classics for a dynamite "resto-mod"!

[@adoreslaurel]

Well they did not know that when I sold mine, however my damage was only when it threw the trolley jackout out sideways and the car fell down on the edge of the jack. dented the sill a bit., Hope they re ratioed the new gear box in the Mk 2, 2nd gear was pathetic in the old box..

[@Bicyclehub]

Nobody could say that you didn't give it the beans! Miss Hubnut's camerawork was good; really improves the quality.

[@garywilton1514]

Yes, great car but the camera work really took this video up to the next level. It feels as if we are in the car with you, but it doesn’t dilute the honest charm of Ian’s delivery. Love Miss Hubnut comment at the start too. It’s a pleasure seeing you guys together

[@daviemaclean61]

As usual. Happy to potter about in low powered unusual transport, but put him in a sporty number and the big child comes out! ;-) Nicely set up MG with appropriate modifications

[@oldclassiccarUK]

*Very nicely mod'd car, nothing silly just improving on the original* 👍

[@VauxhallViva1975]

Beautiful. Same lovely exhaust note, but more power and a better 5-speed gearbox make this what the MGB probably should ALWAYS have been. But then, BLMC budgets did not extend into five-speed boxes or pepped up engines. (other then VERY mild enhancements) Fantastic car.

[@adamclark7536]

My first car was a 1966 Midget which had the kit-form roof. At every opportunity it was off and I only got caught out a couple of times although one was a sudden torrential downpour! I loved that car so much that I get all misty eyed when I see one many years later.

[@vinbar35]

Same here. Mine was black with steel wheels. Managed to blow it up on the M5 near Membury service station on the way to see race of champions at Silverstone in April 76. Had a mustard 1971 'B' a few years later. Great memories.

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

There is only so many ways you can describe rust. Classic Ian, great road test of a very nicely modified mg thanks.

[@JS-1983]

One of the best sounds from 4-cylinder engine what i have heard. Thanks for showing that classic British sportscar 😀 Not so common in here Finland.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Not even in the old days? They were a very common site in classic car classifieds in my childhood here in sweden. But maybe the finns were always more into american cars?

[@JS-1983]

@@rimmersbryggeri i think Austin Healeys were more common, maybe it was cheaper... And i think peoples in Sweden has always had more money to use than here in Finland.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@JS-1983 Ok there used to be alot of mg midgets here too you never see either anymore though. Not in traffic anyway.

[@captaccordion]

Here's some trivia. About 45 years ago, I had a drag race with a mate. I had a 1960 Chev with 283 V8 and Powerglide, and he had a Series I MGB. It was a dead even race - no winner.

[@Anatoli50]

In a similar vein I drag raced my 1962 MG MK 1 against a 1958 Ford Thunderbird 352 cubic inch V8. It was even until 50 mph.

[@stephencopeland238]

This is what I call a real sports car.. Absolutely loved it - thank you so much sharing

[@sic-]

If MGBs were stopped being produced by the end of the 60s, they would likely be much more revered than they are now. The reason they sold well for so long and still so many of them about is that they're good fun cars that are easy and reasonably priced to keep on the road.

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

I have my only speeding ticket in one of these and have the photo to prove it. We sold our 1971 example some time ago to someone who had the time / money to put into it. This one looks very well done.

[@androo4519]

If you're going to modify a classic, this is how to do it. I love an MGB with steel wheels.

[@LightBranches]

Agreed. But the Rostyles look even nicer!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

androo4519...I have Minitaur ( Minilite copies) on my 1963 MGB. This was to get a 5 1/2 " rim which allowed better fitting tires of better quality.

[@richlawrence4160]

what about improving the brakes?

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Thats a cracking looking MGB and what a beautiful noise it makes as well, as you say power you can use on the road!

[@poppydogz]

Mines bog standard with overdrive and it will cruise at 60mph @ 3k revs also.. Cheers for the video Hubnut..

[@stepheng8779]

They are a pretty looking car one that we've kind of taken for granted. I must admit as I've got older I prefer the looks of the Triumph Spitfire but that's just personal taste. I fawn over an 1100 now whenever I see one, nostalgia eh.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I like the looks of the Spitfire, the earlier the better. I prefer the construction quality of the MGB (pre Leyland)

[@nikjames2965]

The growly exhaust note on the MGB was provided by the long centre branch exhaust manifold. This was hugely heavy , being cast iron but very efficient

[@RoyaEnfieldBSAman]

It's actually the exhaust ports on cylinders 2&3 being Siamesed that produce the note.

[@Mr_Boaty]

I sold, on average, an MGB a day in the 90’s, and wrote about them endlessly. My in depth knowledge of the breed came to bore the arse off me, but a few decades on I find it rather nostalgic and rather miss them being part of my life. I had some memorable dates that I drove to on what appeared to be a deckchair…(I always chose the latter incarnations for nighttime excursions)

[@TJC156]

I love the history section of a Hubnut review. His knowledge and how he gets it across is really excellent.

[@raymondg6823]

Away from the workshop, this is where Hubnut shines, true motoring journalist.

[@markpitt5248]

"only so many ways to describe rust..." cracked me up right from the start! Great vid!

[@paulwayman4579]

I have had a 66 BGT for the last 38 years it's like Triggers broom 🤣 I have modified in similar way but added Princess brake calipers and V8 discs . Good to be able to stop as well as go!

[@gg_vard]

It seems like you really enjoyed driving it And its sound, it's amazing!

[@van84agon]

so beautiful. that is the best of the B series. the purest of the styling, they just got ugly after this. hats off to Tim and his spiced version. this is what the factory would have engineered as a performance model... if they could have. sweet drive Ian.

[@micheltebraake7915]

I thought, I've seen Tim before, now I know, at Morris Minor Traveler wood restoration you're filming Ian. Good modifications to this MG MGB.

[@richardhaywoodh]

Fantastic filming Miss Hubnut, brings the review road test to another level.

[@WhitelandRestorations]

Nice tasteful mods on that! Can't beat bombing around in a MGB in the Welsh countryside. 😁👍

[@Hairnicks]

Whay=t a lovely car, and from the smiles and the chortling, you obviously really enjoyed that. My first cars were an Austin A35 and an MG Midget, yes, two cars at 17!! Same engine in both, but such different cars, loved working on them. The A35 came without the Smiths heater, that was an optional extre, so I picked one up from the scrapyard and fitted it. After about 30 miles a faint warmth came from the vents, but it never got beyond that and I had to upgrade to an Anglia with a heater that burnt your face, much better.

[@phillipmitchell5879]

Good, informative presentation. Nice mods on this one. '67 was the best year for B's - & for that matter, for many Euro & U.S. cars, before the Nader years, '68 & on. I like the steel wheels w/ small caps over the flashier wire wheels. The steels are lighter, stiffer, less troublesome. Some alloy wheels are nice, but may not have the originality of the steel ones. I had a beautiful, blue, '67 MGB-GT. What I wouldn't give to have it back!!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I have owned several MG Bs... My preference is 62,63,64 MGB. Sold my 64 to get a 63 and now looking for a 62.

[@phillipmitchell5879]

@@jeffhildreth9244 Interesting! I may consider an earlier one. A main reason i like the '65 (?) & later was the shift from 3 to 5 main bearings. But if I get one w/ a Miata or other crate engine (& a 5-spd. Tremec), no matter.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@phillipmitchell5879 The 3 main winds up faster. Having worked on MGs (professionally) and having owned them, both 3 nd 5 main.. never, not once have I seen a 3 main failure as caused by being a 3 main. I have five 5 main motors in storage... maybe one day when I tire of the 3 synchro box.. I'll consider install a five main with the 4 synchro box. Though I prefer how the 3 synchro boxes shift.

[@phillipmitchell5879]

@@jeffhildreth9244 Good to know! Thx!!

[@bombakdik]

Always loved the sound of the B series engine. Also love the early interior and especially the dash with the old style dials and the map reading light.

[@mattw8332]

Great to see another road test. What a lovely MGB!

[@timcremorne5705]

I have a MGA running a 1950cc 5 bearing MGB engine with a HRG cross flow head, the engine really made the A a lot more fun to drive and revs much better than a standard motor, with 150bhp at the wheels. I would have enjoyed getting your view on the A when you were Sydney as I saw your drive along the Old Pacific Highway, one of my favourite pieces of roads around Sydney.

[@stephenhenion8304]

As a kid in New England, in the 1960's, theses cars were everywhere!!! Roadsters and GT's. I still see them.on the road and for sale in local car lots. I love everyone I see! Great video, mate! 🎩🇺🇸🎩

[@timbre7999]

Wonderful review of a true classic. Makes me want one even more!

[@davidflamee]

That was champion. A lovely, lively little spin. That exhaust note!

[@Endfloat]

FINALLY you do a review of an MGB! Brilliant! I can practically smell this car! I was brought home from the maternity hospital in an MGB, so they're really in my blood.

[@martinneumann7783]

This 1967 MG B and I have ONE thing in common. What could it be...? Great Video, Ian! Pure fun under a cloudy sky. Awesome...

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I am not into modifications, however these ones are effective and do make the car better. Personally I like those old overdrives if you could get them to work, so my ideal B would still have the original gearbox and overdrive.

[@paultaylor9652]

I have never seen you so excited at driving a car Mr HubNut it must be a very special car, very envious but I don't think I could get in and out of it though.

[@golach420]

My brother has an L reg and replaced the original motor with a Rover SD1 Vitesse V8, bored out to 4.2 if I remember correctly. It sounds lush. Only drives it the summer.

[@michaeltutty1540]

That engine was a factory fitment in the MGB V8, but I believe only in 3½ litre displacement. That would go like stink. From what I understand, the alloy V8 weighs the same or slightly less than the original cast iron 4 pot.

[@gryfandjane]

Loved this one. I’ve owned a ‘78 Midget here in the US for 27 years, and am still infatuated with it. I sure wish it sounded like that B, though. With the Triumph engine allotted to the later Midgets, they lost the lovely blat of the old A-series, alas.

[@nikjames2965]

To get that growly exhaust note on a Midget, you merely have fit an exhaust manifold with a long centre branch.

[@KiwiStag74]

I love open-top touring - especially to the backbeat of a British engine. The MG has a sound all her own - something you cannot get out of the same engine when its in the likes of the Morris Marina. They always had me smiling when I saw one as a kid and more so as I got older. If you like the open-top touring experience, see if you can do a review on a Triumph Stag. They are a magnificent combination of V8 rumble (in 4th at 30mph) and V8 howl as you climb your way up a winding road on the Coromandel peninsula, chasing a Jaguar F-Type over the Tairua hill.....and all with the sun warming the hole in the back of your hair (well, that's me anyway!), the wind whipping around you, the smells of engines working hard........magnificent! However, after 5 years of ownership, I am going to sell mine because I'm having difficulty with getting in and out of it because it is very low and my back isn't as young as it was. However, one of the things I am going to look at to replace it with is......an MGB Roadster! I've not tried one yet to see if they hurt (lack of shows in this time of year means nobody to ask nicely to let me try) but we will see what cooks. Love what Tim has done to this one. He's taken an already great little car and made it even better. Love those wheels - so understated and nothing on the car gives the game away - even when you lift the bonnet, a casual glance would miss the size difference in the SUs - and THAT, gentlemen, is how you do THAT! Reckon you'd ever be swayed by one, Ian?

[@carlreading9916]

If you can't get in and out of a Stag, you've no chance in a MGB.

[@bobmitchell8012]

That is if you can drive a Stag in the Australian Summer without it boiling it’s guts out........Triumph could have put the Rover V8 in , but oh No, they didn’t and the rest is history.

[@KiwiStag74]

To be honest, my Stag has a Leyland P76 engine mated up to the Triumph M/OD box and standard Stag diff. It was the only Stag that impressed me of the number of them I had driven up to that point - original engined or not. I bought it near the bottom of the South Island and drove it all the way to my home near the top of the North Island. I'm a Kiwi, not an Aussie.....but I have heard of numerous blokes over on the West Island that have driven Stags around all summer without an issue. It all depends on how well they have been looked after and whether they have had the fettling or typical mods done. Also, there were many reasons (some BL-internally political, some technical and some procedural) why the Rover V8 never made it into the Stag, but suffice to say that in the end, if Triumph wanted a V8 in the Stag, they had to make it themselves.....and no, it is not (as is fancied by some) "just two Dolomite engines welded together". The biggest hurdle came in the timeframe they were given to design and build the engine, along with the political climate and working conditions. Not enough care and attention to detail was given to the finished result, which is why - even now - engine rebuilders are still flushing casting sand out of water and oil galleries that have been blocked since the respective car rolled off the production line! Sure - the cam chains are a weakness (ever owned a Dolly or TR7? How about an XJ-series Jag? They all had chain and / or tensioner issues) and the waterpump is in a stupid place and can cause catastrophic failure (again, I point to the Dolly / TR7 which had the same problem, but nobody gets on their soapbox about them), but there are ways around the Stag's foibles and 50 years of ownership and a strong club following, have lead to collaborative (re)design and most of the vehicles are now what they should have been from factory. As for looks and especially as an overall package, you cannot compare it with anything else that came out as a new model around that time for the money. The 1970 XKE? Yeah, but that first hit the streets in 1961. Has the looks, is a little more expensive, but does it look modern or like a 9-year-old car? The Rolls-Royce Corniche? Ummmm......a different market altogether and wayyyyy out of the price league. MGB / MGC Roadster? The B started life in the 60s as well and the C was no better looking Lotus Elan? Not really a GT car, is it? That's more a true sports car or road / race vehicle - and it was more expensive.....but she was definitely a looker The 1970 GM / Ford / Chrysler offerings from the US? Sure - if you like big, brash, loud vehicles that only come in LHD. Alfa Romeo Spyder? Ok, it comes close - real close - in looks, but for a different reason. The Spyder was also more GT than track racer, but again - that big ticket price in the window. There are other Euroboxes that come to mind, but price sticks them way out of the league of a potential Stag owner. Stags - for whatever reason - have been taken into the hears of many thousands of people. A lot of people have also forgiven the Stag it's trespasses and embraced the mods that make the Stag way easier to live with than she was in the early-mid 70s. Pick any 50+ year old car and I will list a plethora of issues the model had at the time. Why keep lambasting the Stag for something that was true of it half a century ago, but has been resolved over the years to the point where it is no more difficult to live with now than any other 50+ year old car? Pointless exercise..... My Stag has an engine in it that is based on the same engine the Rover 3500 was based on, but it displaces 4416cc. These engines have been used in jetboat racing in the South Island and are known for their reliability and toughness at sustained high rpm. Would I put a Stag engine back in my car? No. I like the additional torque and horsepower of the P76 V8. Would I own another Stag with an original engine? Yes, I would. What I would LOVE to do is pitch my car against an M/OD Stag with an original engine in a drag race and see which one crosses the line first. I have the HP but not the additional 1500rpm that the 3-litre TV8 can pull in each gear. I've met prudish and snobby Stag owners who believe anything with a non-standard engine is a blasphemy that should be punished by death and I have met Stag owners who race their Stags, drive them every day over whatever road surface is in front of the wheels and just like to see another Stag on the road. Mine's a daily driver, gets driven over sealed and unsealed roads and is certainly no trailer queen with her tired - but still shiny - 35-year-old paintwork and minor battle scars from the Christchurch earthquakes. She's thirsty as all heaven and hell, but she never fails to put a smile on my face. I get a lot of smiles from people as well - the teenagers who have no idea what it is, but it looks cool so we will take a selfie with it, the people that have owned a Stag or ridden in a friends' one back in the day and just want to get close to another one, the blokes of all ages who love the sound of the tuned and rumbly 2.5" exhaust and turn around to see my 48-year-old French blue beast with the top down moving slowly around a carpark. Of the people I have met while out in the beast, the ones I find most tedious are the people who have watched certain celebrities lambaste the Stag, but who have never actually been in one.....let alone driven one or owned one......and who seem determined to repeat the most annoying twaddle as if it is something that I would never have heard before - that it is somehow funny (yet acceptable) to run down someone's vehicle for some questionable decisions that the manufacturer made over half a century ago. All they need do is try driving one and they'll see why Stag owners put up with their vehicles' idiosyncrasies. Simply put - you can't beat them. End of story.

[@k8vnl]

It's a MG it has to be driven everywhere with the roof down.Absolute lovely cars.

[@nowukkas2472]

MGs were always a bit old man for me, and hard to justify in rural Australia, but I love the sound and the pure driving experience. Drove with a friend up the old Pacific Highway north of Sydney many years ago and it was just brilliant!

[@michaeltutty1540]

Well done, Ian. Tim sure did a beautiful job on that one. That sound is so distinctive. Instantly recognizable. Love seeing the look of joy on your face! Why is it I can see a Cambridge in your future with the engine worked on like this one.

[@av8bvma513]

In 1972, when he was working as a hairdresser in London, our friend Paul bought his MGBGT brand new. Brought it out to NZ with him and continued driving it until last year when he had a couple serious strokes. Fifty years of driving the same car. Very distinctive exhaust sound.

[@davidevans4089]

A good friend of mine had a 1965 MGB in the seventies.A great car which I remember he sold for around £200.00ish. Peanuts even in those days.

[@danielpothier9990]

Great seeing Ian having fun and Camera Lady's comments were priceless

[@jimmyguitar2933]

I had an MGB in grad school. Fun car but it had a master cylinder leak that wouldn't stay fixed and a completely unpredictable electrical system. It either started or it didn't. I took it on a backpacking trip to the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico once, drove it 100 miles on freeway, then on forest service and barely maintained back roads, then back to Albuquerque. The next day I drove to a convenience store right around the corner from my house, hit the tiniest bump and the whole rear end collapsed. The U-bolt holding the rear axle to the springs had completely sheared off and upon inspection, you could tell that it had been hanging by a thread for who knows how long. I guess I was lucky; it could've broken down 100 miles from civilization or at 70 miles an hour on the freeway, but it didn't. It was fun while it lasted!

[@neilfromdownunder9204]

Top job Tim, a really nice MGB & it sounds great too...I had a 1967 red MGB years ago here in Australia & it was always a good fun car to drive & no matter what Ian says, mine used to wind out to 110mph given the space after having it dyno tuned...❤

[@douglasfur3808]

Not a Hub Nut vehicle but an essential part of the Hub Nut diet as noted by the chortle and outright laughter. A pleasant car to watch and listen to.

[@scalecrawlnl]

Cool modified MGB and a great fun review, HubNut par excellence! Thank you very much for the video, makes for perfect lunch break entertainment, very much appreciated.

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

I had a 66 and a 70. Both completely stock, but nothing sounded or felt like those cars. A true driver's experience. Watching this video makes me think my '66 was a freak. It would easily cruise at 80 mph towing my hard top tent trailer and would top out at just over 100mph without the OD the 70 had. I know it shouldn't have been able to, but it did. Loved that ratty little car.

[@jo_clarke1960]

That thing sound glorious and 120 hp in something like that is more than enough to have a lot of legal fun. I wouldn't get good mpg though, I'd be constantly dropping it down just to hear that exhaust note.

[@fugawiaus]

The only time I’ve seen a bigger smile on hubnuts face was driving a certain purple HSV v8 Ute in Australia.

[@energyasylum997]

Back in 2003/2004, I was 22-23 years old and bought a 1969 MGB roadster British racing green paint, with beige interior and top! I owned two other cars , but THIS WAS MY DAILY DRIVER FOR TWO TO THREE YEARS !! Living here near Los Angeles California, selling cars at a dealership, I’d be driving wearing my suit, overcoat, driving gloves and dress hat/cap(?), all dialed in LOL! I enjoyed those drives home with the sun would be setting! Ah the memories! At that same exact time I also owned and drove a ‘65 VW Meyers Manx dune buggy, a ‘79 Chevy C10 step side w/350 v8 (heavily modified engine w/ black NASCAR rims and raised white letter BF Goodrich tires, and my ‘72 Honda CB750-4 that I customized into cafe racer!! I did ok for being in my early 20’s , with stay at home wife and three kids, and selling cars being able to provide for my fam!

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

I do prefer the disc wheel above the wire for performance and better tire balance. The wires require inner tubes, thus the downgrade. This MGB sounds wonderful, and just the right power increase to still feel and sound like an MGB.

[@tinniswood2577]

Lovely car and proper sound.

[@robertmarsh3588]

That's lovely. What an excellent set of modifications.

[@willwelch5700]

What a delicious little car! Tim really has worked his magic over this one extremely well! 👍🏻

[@jaggass]

You can get so much power out of them and are very reliable. There's also the MG LE50 that has the running gear from an MX-5 which has 225bhp. I've known of a few that have 1.8 K-Series engines in them with 5 speed Celica gearboxes and even one with a 6 speed Cooper S gearbox. Should have watched the bit when Tim says he had the B-Series engine bored out to 2L.

[@HubNut]

No Pinto here...

[@pashakdescilly7517]

@@HubNut maybe a pint o r two

[@suznet]

I had a red 1 in 1975, the floor was rusted out, had already replaced the sills -My brother welded in the new floor, I sprayed it Tartan Red, replaced the gearbox & radiator, the head was cracked, so swapped that, bought for car £60 sold it for £80, don't think I would own another, to old for that now :-)

[@terencehawkes3933]

Good review, Ian, particularly the MG historical background information

[@inkyhendershot781]

I never had an MGB. My brother owned an MGA. When I got out of the Navy I purchased my first MG Midget. That was in 1970. My next car was also an MG Midget. I liked the burnt orange color so much that I picked that same color for both cars. The first Midget, that I owned, had the chrome bumpers while my second Midget had those ugly black rubber bumpers

[@raymondrichardson6061]

That is how a car should sound. Please preserve this for when EVs have taken over, and we have no souls.

[@thomastrout9997]

Truer words.....

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

Surprised it was a modded B series, was expecting the Mazda MX5 engine and box in it. 120 bhp is plenty enough for proper fun on uk roads

[@skylined5534]

That sounded glorious on take off! Looks stunning too!

[@RWBHere]

Thanks Ian, and Tim! 🙂👍 The MGA was also lots of fun. If you've never driven one, and like old school sorts car travel, try to wangle an opportunity. A friend had one, in the late 1970's, into which he had slotted an MGB engine and a Ford gearbox, and then did a number of other modifications, including the suspension . Very comfortable, and a nice ride. Except for when it rained. The cover always let some rain in, especially at the sides.

[@HubNut]

Check the back catalogue. Had a drive in an MGA Twin Cam a couple of years ago!

[@revolution1one]

We used to have a 72 MG B in red with the three windscreen wipers. We found it in a matte like orange paint colour. We restored it cosmectically and sourced a better engine that wasn't smoking. Only thing we couldn't get quite right was tuning the carbs. It was a blast to ride in.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

I can't believe that HN actually has a cool car on the channel?

[@rimmersbryggeri]

This is the least cool car this week on the channel.

[@jonathanmorgan1882]

@@rimmersbryggeri All the cool kids drive an Oltcit

[@Neil-Aspinall]

@@rimmersbryggeri Look no one can help you if you have pedestrian common tastes Rimsie? Low expectations must be quashed at all costs.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

I didnt say I didnt like it. It's a granddad cruiser though. The chrome bumper ones like this one are really nice but they are not very cool or interesting cars. I'd much rather have a fiat 850 sport spider.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@jonathanmorgan1882 No driving and oltcit would require personality that doesnt go well with being a cool kid.

[@neilsheppard6673]

That looked like fun! A proper little roadster. I have to say Ian, at 14:20 you were like Toad of Toad Hall.

[@philwright1480]

Great to see you driving and enjoying a British sportscar Ian. My Triumph Spitfire's always available if you fancy a comparative review? Its the yellow one from your social at the Motorist recently.

[@HubNut]

Cheers. [e-mail] please.

[@DavidM2002]

Back in the 1970's when I owned a B, the stock wheels were in rough shape. At that time, the Datsun 240Z was very popular and almost everyone was putting aluminum slot wheels on them. That meant that there were a lot of take off wheels lying about. And, they fit the MGB. 4 1/2" bolt circle I believe. Who knows if any of these wheels are still out there, but they are a good alternative to stock B and they were a bit wider IIRC.

[@whitemoor66]

Fantastic car, and so pretty with the roof removed. Quite clear to see just how good it is by the width of the grin on your face!

[@jim.m75]

Always great to see a wild animal enjoying his natural habitat! :) That looked like a good day.

[@mceajc]

The enthusiasm for these cars is infectious.

[@plym1969]

This was a great review! Lovely car. Great soundtrack.

[@thomasheer825]

Some years back we took a Fiat 124 DOHC 1608 and 5 speed and transplanted it into a clapped out MGB. It actually was a massive improvement all the way around. MGB guys thought it was a sin of biblical perportions, but we had the parts and the skills and that MG tractor engine was about as exciting as a warm flat Coke.

[@davidramsay-kerr1959]

That's a VERY nice MGB! It's a car I've had quite a lot to do with over the years -- although I've never owned one. I really love the GT, and it would have been one of those if a 'B HAD found a place in my garage. I have always modified my cars, and fully approve of tasteful and respectful restomod. A high-performance GT is something I'd still really fancy. Think Tim has done all the right sorts of things with his car, but there's another roadster I used to know that was molded with a different paradigm as its guide. It belonged to a friend and colleague. As his was a five bearing car, he decided to supercharge it. Suspension, brakes, and gearbox were appropriately attended to, and that motor was a delight to drive; and while not fast in outright terms (even in the eighties), point to point on a demanding road, nothing much could better its times.

[@coastallad1010]

My 68 B is very similar spec. Bored out with modified camshaft, it's a blast to drive whilst making basically a stock appearance

[@blairwhiteford9925]

I enjoyed your report:) I just picked up a 1973 MGB-GT, would it be possible to get a list of modification made to Engine and Suspension,,, All the Best!

[@deniskearney2368]

I have had my 1971 MGB for years, watching this reminded me that fast is not what driving a classic is primarily about. I stick to B roads and rarely exceed 50mph Love it ❤️

[@nikjames2965]

If you drive a turbocharged MX5, you will realise what the MGB could have become. Mine has 200 hp at the wheels, goes like a stabbed rodent, and has been 100% reliable for four years

[@mossden]

@@nikjames2965 I could not agree more, a terrible wasted opportunity for a respected sports car brand. Morgan could also learn a lot from the MX5 but the biggest missed opportunity of all was, in my opinion, the Lotus Elan. That car had the right idea in the sixties and the MX5 took full advantage of that in the nineties

[@adampoll4977]

I remember driving in a flatmate's MGB from Brisbane to Sydney in one long stretch. It had a cracked crank and would start burning masses of oil over a certain speed. It started to rain at one point and we decided it would be better to just maintain speed and keep the rain blowing over with the airflow rather than stop and get soaked in the time it would take to put the roof on. At one point I woke to squealing noises and a look of panic on my flatmate's face and my first words were, "Are we dead!?" He had suddenly hit a small town main street with a 60kph limit at about 120 and discovered the joy of brake fade. First thing we did getting to Sydney was book a massage as we were both physically wrecked!

[@stanbest3743]

Similar to our car right down to the pistons from a Lotus Corrina. Swept volume calculates out to 1933 cc. . Ours still has the original MK1 body shell with the narrow transmission tunnel so there is plenty of room.in the footwells. As you said you get the genuine British sports car experience in tolerable comfort.

[@scottbrooks7978]

Very nice car with some practical tweaks. My Healey has the same meccano set top - not the easiest things to put up in a hurry. One of the cars I have on my list is a BGT V8. Drop heads are nice but I just prefer the look of the fixed head.

[@daniellee9015]

Brilliant video Ian 👍 lovely car ian

[@malcolmgay2206]

Wonderful MGB & it's story is so well told👌 I am thinking you had trouble handing the keys back😉 Perfect tourer👏🍾🥂🍷 Only two extra enhancements that I would consider doing from having had similar work done a much loved TR6 - better ventilated discs at the front (think some Volvo ventilated discs fit straight onto MG fittings) - bigger radiator (& switchable electric fan, if you are in a warmer climate)

[@jgsheehan8810]

We built these locally in Australia as you probably know. I used to see these commonly and there was always one or two in the car park at the Ashfield swimming pool. As a young kid I loved the look of the MGB and always wanted one. Plus they were born in 1962 like me. 😀 I remember one of the swimming pool cars had a little overdrive badge on the back which I loved the sound of but as a sub teen I didn’t know what it was. 🤣 I kinda think another had a little automatic badge on it but I don’t know if they ever had an automatic? Also, have you ever done a RV8 video?

[@HubNut]

No, never done a video on the RV8. Must correct that.

[@howardkerr8174]

MG Cs, at least the GTs, did have an available automatic transmission, don't know if the open top model had an available automatic transmission.

[@howardkerr8174]

@@HubNut You might also just drive a " factory converted " MG B V8. I realize it's pretty much the same car as the RV8, just a bit older?

[@HubNut]

MGB also had an auto option.

[@HubNut]

I've driven a factory BGT V8 too. Very different cars, despite being fundamentally the same.

[@briankay4713]

"Enough wiper waffle" brilliant Ian 👏👌 There's never enough ...

[@oddshot60]

My first MGB was a 1968 which had a fold-down top, at least here in the US. The other benefit of the GT was that the roof stiffened up the car. It wasn't quite the "flexi-flyer" the roadster was. I raced a roadster for 12 years in the northeast US. I found that a tube-type, equal length exhaust header and 2" pipe to the rear with no muffler or resonator helped quite a lot so I put the same set-up on my street cars. But that was back when I actually had hearing.

[@deltafoxtrot2]

Great review Ian 👍it looks like the screen washer has been modified as well, my 1974 MGB which I have had for 36 years works like a kids water pistol.. 😆

[@Phiyedough]

Yes, I think my GT had the hand pump type washer.

[@philiphowes6870]

Hi Can you put a Facebook link to gentlemen who made the engine mods? Or what the mods were? The engine sounds brilliant and just the sort of upgrade I’d be thinking of for my B restoration this year. Cars a beauty.

[@CambrianClassicsLtd]

facebook.com/CambrianClassicsLtd/

[@HubNut]

Link in the description. Cambrian Classics Ltd.

[@philiphowes6870]

@@HubNut thank you, love your work btw 👍🏼

[@malcolmh5736]

Love your MGB! It sounds awesome! I was looking at getting my first MGB, a 1980 limited edition. Some poo-poo it b/c it’s a little higher and has the rubber bumper, which doesn’t phase me any but I’m wondering if the 1980s have any mechanical/drive train updates/advantages?

[@HubNut]

Mechanically, the later ones are pretty much identical bar ride height. They didn't have the budget to change anything much...

[@carolann5338]

Beautiful.....I never owned one but I owned a Triumph T R 7....... very dark blue.......It was a beauty.......!!!! Same sounding engine.... best orchestra in the world foe me that is.....!!!!My car was a 1977 T R 7......!!!!.

[@No_Malarky]

Have 3 B`s, all rubber bumpers. Daily is `78 with Weber/header & 4sp while builder-car has dual SU & actual 5sp, -not solenoid pressure/electric style...grab the stick & hit all 5 gears. (was recently told by other MG builder/enthusiast that Moss Motors values those trans at $5k) Last B has no title & is parts only. They`re an utter riot to drive!

[@davidramsay-kerr1959]

Hello Ian, As an 80 y.o. man, and a car enthusiast since short-trouser school days, (not to mention a working life in/associated with automotive manufacturing), I enjoy what you do. And, of course, the car's you favour are those of my young(er) life! Wonder if your mental filing system holds the answer to a question that, despite my work experience, etc., I've never had the answer. It's always puzzled me how Standard came up with an 803cc engine to match BMC's (Austin's), and anticipated BMC with a 948cc for the Standard 10. Keep up the good work (was a regular buyer of Jaguar World until Covid kept me cringing in my cottage!) David

[@JimiHendrix998]

Was there an instruction sheet supplied showing the process of making the hood to fit? If so, did it have a reference or part number?

[@markjosephbudgieridgard]

Wow I've never seen a B go like that before unbelievable.... Like the idea of the ford close ratio transmission... Although the later stock B boxer are delightful to use for me 1st is to low geared... The ratios or to spaced out.... Let's face it there's a black hole between the 2nd to 3rd shift... The guy deserves credit what a wonderful B..... Definitely a wolf in sheeps clothing for sure 👍

[@bloodybrit]

I do not think you have grinned so much since you tested the X1/9. I loved my Bs and my MX-5s, both are climbing in price, but if I was to buy again I would probably get an MX-5, but I always find myself looking for cheap MGBs. They can easily be made more reliable with electronic ignition and an updated fuel pump and I would happily buy my last B back. For now my Beat gives me grins and the fuel consumption is fantastic. Great video, as you say the B always sounds superb and 120 bhp sounds about right - a car is for the enjoyment of driving not boasting in the pub.

[@bentullett6068]

That's a nice MGB. Its interesting that the rubber bumper versions are gaining a bit of love now after all their years of being unloved.