MGB Chrome vs Rubber Bumper - RUINED Classic Or Aging Gracefully? (1962 Mk1/1977 Roadster)

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The MGB was probably always going to be a success, with gorgeous styling clothing a classic sports car formula. America loved the B in particular, but new safety regulations forced MG to add controversial rubber bumpers and raise the suspension. Did it ruin it? Jack and Joe went for a drive...
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Chapters
0:00 The Iconic MGB
0:51 Chrome Bumper
5:28 Rubber Bumper
10:14 The Perfect MGB?

[@apexmarbella]

Today I learned the reason for pop-up headlights on cars of that era! Great video, as ever, keep 'em coming.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks, we will! 😁

[@roygardiner2229]

I am not a car buff but I prefer the aesthetics of the chrome bumper version. It looks better, more "planted", with its lower ride height. Chromium also pleases my eye more than a black "something".

[@manofthehour6856]

From my perspective having grown up with these in the Seventies, I was infinitely more familiar with Federalized "Bra" version models with the higher ride height, and I loved the look of it. I think that bra is the most brilliant way to have dealt with five MPH bumper requirements set forth for the 1973 model year (front), and then rear in 1974. The way it way it was incoprorated into the design made the shape look better to my eyes. I loved all the '70s BL cars here (particularly the TR7 and the one Rover 3500 I ever saw in the metal in Canada) in the US because of their distinctiveness, including the eye-catching color palette. My guess is that a significantly more-involved facelift / freshing of the MGB would have been undertaken if BL had the money. My reticence on this car is not the looks, but the strangled horsepower that occurred in making it compliant for air polution laws in the USA. There is a US commericial for the VW pickup (aka Caddy) that compares that vehicle to various other vehicles trying to underscore some surprising statistics about the Volkswagen. One is that "it has a faster 0-60 time than an MGB".. Well, that would not be hard. Of course, all manufacturers were forced to reduce power in order to meet emissions and mpg requirements. Black bra MGBs are the most common classic car that I see in my area of the US, and I often tell a friend who lives near the now demolished factory that "I just saw another one."

[@StephenLacey-ct6wy]

The biggest problem with the US spec RB car is its loss of power, next is the ride height, and finally the completely different dashboard.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I like both of them - I don’t find the rubber bumpers on the MGB offensive at all (unlike those on the Midget, which looked ghastly in my opinion). Luckily, the B was such an intrinsically pretty car to start with, the updates failed to ruin the styling. The later RV-8 with the body coloured bumpers looked even better in my view.

[@mgman6000]

I had a 79 and painted the bumpers to match the paint, and it looked so much better

[@shiftfocus1]

For me, it would be the earlier chrome bumper cars. But being in Canada, just finding a rust-free one would be the main challenge. A small correction: the US reg that led to the rubber bumper was all about crash protection. At one point, a car had to survive a 5 mph collision with NO damage to any lights or bodywork. The rubber bumper was the cheapest way to do this. Pedestrian safety had nothing to do with it.

[@britishsouth]

I agree with your consensus that the RB cars look great in red, yellow, blue, or orange. Those bumpers can take quite a licking, as some of my fellow club members have found out over the years. I currently own a '77 chrome bumper converted MGB. I kept the ride height stock. The cars handles well, takes long trips comfortably, and runs well with intake and exhaust kits. It really is the best of both worlds. If I could by a second MGB, I'd probably buy a non-converted RB car.

[@geraldbly4903]

Great video! This is the big argument between British car enthusiasts as to which was better, chrome or rubber. They are both great cars in their own way. I feel that the rubber bumper cars look more modern, but alas don’t have the handling or the power of the older cars. I feel that the rubber mods were done tastefully compared to many American cars with their 5 mph bumpers of the time. I have owned a couple rubber bumper cars and I think that they are still great little sports cars despite the purists dismissing them as substandard. They are still great fun to drive!

[@lascm5237]

Owned lots of both versions and IMHO the rubber bumper model is a much better car in almost every respect. Nothing worse than the muppets who spend a small fortune getting shoddy chrome conversions done, spraying them red, banging on chrome wires and claiming they’re so much better 😴

[@fasthracing]

100%

[@nygelmiller5293]

To lack The original version is of course a classic. BUT, the last, rubber bumper ones had SHAPED bumpers that extend the front , and slope with the rear panels. All thought out! And the bright COLOURS at the time of the rubber bumper models contrasted WITH those black bumpers! Also, the CONVERTIBLES, with their black top looked good with the black bumpers! And in THIS case, the BLACK wheels on this RED one go with those rubber bumpers, too!

[@stuwhite2337]

I disagree. You can save a massive amount of weight by getting rid of the bumpers. Lower by 2", 3/4" front ARB and no rear ARB and you have a fantastic car.

[@jayfontane3242]

That is the stupidest statement I ever heard. Only could come from a rubber bumper owner.

[@HJ-vs7lf]

They never fully replicate an older model. Fot instance: if you're going to put early taillights on it, you have to get rid of the backup lights as well. You always notice a conversion. There is only 1 way that the car could be original. And a million ways to make it 'better'. So better stick with the original! My 1980 is all original except it was repainted once 25 years ago and fully converted to Euro spec (I live in EU and car was imported here when 8 years old).

[@MGB-learning]

I have both an early 68 and 71 Chrome bumper and the rubber bumper 78 and 80 USA black Limited Edition models in my collection. I like both and both have their advantages. Simplicity and no smog equipment in the early models and semi modern upgrades with the rubber bumpers that save you from serious collision damage. The smog requirements for 75 and news cars make it the only hassle come inspection time.

[@richardcarter1000]

I had a 71 MGBGT. Loved it. The rubber bumper cars have grown on me over the years. Orange with the striped trim would be fun, or a rubber bumper V8

[@paulc9588]

Great video. Personally I think the plastic bumper MGBs look good. The changes made helped to bring the car up to date and chrome bumpers would have looked pretty dated by the late 1970s. The plastic bumpers are right for the era when the cars were built and of the two this is the version I prefer.

[@alexpanting4177]

The rubber bumper looks better, bigger and more aggressive however only if they have a colour matched leyland st chin spoiler underneath otherwise no they don't work but change that small detail and it's bang on and gives elongation and continuation of the body work

[@ericcriteser4001]

I have one of each and love them both for different reasons! Great cars. Thanks for sharing.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you like them!

[@baggierols73]

Genius comparison. Well looking forward to watching 👍

[@peterm4475]

Remember also that N American rubber bumper MGB's, as well as being heavier, put out only around 65 BHP due to emission regulations: Low compression pistons, single Stromberg carb and air pump paraphernalia.

[@simonlilley]

I have a 1975 BGT Jubilee, rubber bumpers with no anti roll bar. I have had the car 26 years and in that time I have experienced body roll once, when I took evasive action when someone pulled out of a side road without looking. Rubber bumpers are effect.A few weeks after buying my B I was hit from behind by a Caterham 7 as I was about to turn left. No damage to me, his front was all staved in. My car is still nippy and sporty on B roads to give you a good driving experience. Yes chrome bumpers look nice, but in my experience the effect of rubber bumpers is perhaps a little overstated. Most of my friends who have a B have a rubber bumper model and have left them on.

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

I too have a 1976 jubilee mgbgt but it is Tahiti blue. It still has the gold badges front and back and the metal dash. These cars are getting quite rare as apparently, people don't think they're worth restoring. In my opinion, these are the best black bumper models. The later plastic dash board models with the feck chair seats are less appealing. Enjoy your jubilee, best wishes.

[@ClassicMGB]

Great video! We'll be featuring this one in our upcoming episode - 10 great MGB videos!

[@jefferysmith3930]

Compared to most battering ram bumper post 74 USA spec cars, the MG impact bumper solution is quite elegant it it’s execution.

[@mgguyvintagevehicles]

I have a 1974.5 roadster, so the first version with the full rubber bumper. Badged as a 1975, it was built before December 31 1974 so still has the dual SU carbs, which was more important to me than the bumpers, and (I believe) less emission controls. The only year with the "1/2" year disgnation because of that. I love it, it's fun to drive and I don't see the bumpers when I'm driving it lol.

[@RaggedyAtom]

They're both great cars in their own right, with the early MGB having the style and the later MGB having the safety features. BMC definitely made a great little car, even though Leyland took over and destroyed MG's upholding reputation. I own a 66 MGB and it's never given up on me ever since I bought it. They're fast, reliable, and very predictable in the handling. Even features such as a heater, radio, and wind-up windows are something unique in the roadster versions of the car.

[@glennsheppard3320]

I know several people who spent 'a bit' converting from rubber to chrome, and i have to admit they look better for it, i know that makes them not original anymore but i think its worth the compromise

[@ryanwilliams6526]

I would rather keep the rubber bumpers. Somehow chrome converted cars never look quite right, and you can always tell it was a later car from the reg. I think if you want a chrome car, you would be better saving the money for the conversion parts, and spending it on getting an earlier car. A conversion kit is £900-1000 actually, and the quality of the new Chinese chrome is appaling.

[@Hallo-Hallo]

I always liked the ‘rubber bumper’ better… 🤗

[@alastairwatson3201]

I like you blokes and I enjoy your videos. However, to suggest that the MGB’s styling could be Italian - like an Alfa or a Maserati - is just ludicrous, notwithstanding that the taillights are clearly Pinin Farina-inspired. Other than that, it’s as English a design as there is.

[@user-tw2pw8dc5o]

I have a rubber bumper car. They were the ones that were on sale when I was a kid, they have far less chrome to look after, they are cheaper to buy, have 12v electrics, and overdrive as standard. I am still probably going to get a chrome bumper one at some point, though. For now, I bought the cheapest usable rolling project car I could find, and use it for fun, did a bit of work to get it up to scratch, got an MOT (even though not required) and don't worry too much about it.

[@mducker1]

Me too! I remember them on sale and don’t fully understand my obsession with them. I have 3 x UK spec Rubber Bumper MGB’s

[@dfboiler]

have a 77. lowered to pre rb height, twin su carbs, but won't convert to chrome, looks just fine with lower spoiler, but also should mention the conversion kit is far from bolt on, definite body work for signal placement and frame needs to be welded to actually create correct mounting points. so don't think its just buy a kit and swap bumpers

[@robertdavidson3090]

One last thing. I own a 1977 MGB an have since 1989. I love the car. The ride height needed to be raised due to the 5mph crash bumper and to bring the headlights higher. today with the damn SUV's the raised headlights are a lost cause.

[@raymond7880]

I would take home a 1978 rubber bumper vermillion roadster. In fact I did 30 years ago.😅

[@richardhill6125]

I bought a 77 Roadster from an elderly neighbor in reasonably good shape a little over a year ago for $4500. It needs some sorting out and a few new bits but is basically in pretty good shape. It already had some mods done by a previous owner. I have a few of my own that will be added next Spring (I don't have a garage, just a really good car cover) and will be getting it all sorted out and ready for its test road trip. I already added new wheels and tires and have a Tourist Trophy Stainless exhaust system to add on. I'm looking forward to some top-down cruising here in Colorado.

[@mducker1]

Good luck on your road trip. The MG isn’t your vehicle; it’s your companion! Enjoy

[@mbrant4973]

The interior on my unrestored 77 certainly does not look like that, but I DO have a stereo. Think I'll get her lowered though.

[@fasthracing]

Right I'm going to say this. I prefer the rubber bumper models. Sorry.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@bikebeerrun1960]

I own A 79 MGB. I can do oil changes without jacking up the car the higher height give me enough space to reach the drain plug and get A oil drain container under it.

[@CatsCarsAndCoffee]

I’ve owned both, a 1980 RB, and now a ‘66 CB (which I actually purchased from RFH about a year ago). While I personally find my current B “prettier,” my ‘80 was more refined. Any B is worth having, regardless of what’s hanging on the nose and tail.

[@Glenn-bi1od]

I always wondered why they could not produce the rubber bumpers in matching colors to the body? The answer with MG always seems to come down to cost. Love the car (had a 73 for 10+ years) but in watching the video you can't help but notice the inconsistency in the spaces between the trunk and bonnet. Finally gave mine up for an 87 Toyota Supra and it was like a generation ahead in quality. But to be fair, never as much fun though. The MG was always the most fun I had with my clothes on.

[@Punisher9419]

I had a 1972 MGB GT and I really liked that car but like many of these cars it was claimed by rust. Mine was black and an autumn leaf interior with the chrome bumper. I have to say the handling was superb, the only problems I had with the car really was the breaking and the power. The V8 version would have been a real sweet car to drive esspecially with a few performance upgrades to the engine and some better breaks.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

While unibody and monocoque construction are sometimes used interchangeably, they aren't actually the same. We define unibody as a unitized vehicle body with tubes, bulkheads, and box sections that provide most of its strength, whereas a true monocoque structure gets its strength from the entire external 'skin'.

[@HJ-vs7lf]

Later cars are so much more usable. 10k buys you a decent one. 7k gets you a GT rubber bumper. If there is one true classic sportscar that still serves its original purpose, it's this one. Back then it was an affordable sportscar with all the same traits as an E type. It still is and you can actually insure it cheaply and use it as a sportscar. Will be taking mine an the Dutch F1 track next month, exctited!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Have fun!

[@mgman6000]

They weren't that affordable in the US. I remember going to an MGdealer in 67, and they wanted $4500 for an MGBGT. I paid $3000 for a Fiat 124 sport coupe in 70, and it was a much more modern car. 4 wheel disc brakes 5 speed transmission DOHC engine came with Michelin tires beautiful styling not to mention the air horn😅

[@davidarter9670]

I can think of another activity where wearing a rubber really takes the edge of the experience….

[@See_more....]

I agree. I prefer snorkelling in just swimming trunks....

[@North49191]

yes but without a rubber you end up with kids and have to sell your sports car.

[@alexpanting4177]

Yes you can really burn your hands not washing up wearing marigolds

[@markfarrington9727]

The rubber bumper models The Last 5 Years they were made were reduced to a single carburetor with tons of emission control Power was way down

[@johnmohanmusic]

I very much enjoyed your video. I've owned three MGs, all many years ago. A 1967 MGB, a 1974 MG Midget and in 1979 I bought a new 1979 MG Midget (the last year they were made). For years now, I've dreamed of finding and acquiring a nice 1972 MGB. Your video is spurring me on! (Don't tell my wife). 🤣 And don't blame my wife either - I currently own eight vehicles - I think of my self as a car collector - the fact is, I probably just have a hoarding affliction. 😂

[@michaelarchangel1163]

I've heard it speculated that the early three bearing crank engines rev up more sprightly than the later five bearing ones, but I'm unsure as to the durability of them.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Another another good video 🚗🚙🚘👍👍👍⭐️⭐️👏👏👏

[@pb5x5]

Get a rubber bumper one and improve the suspension, ride hight and so on.

[@STho205]

1974 model year was the switchover year. The car changed every few months. I had a 1st month run: Chrome with small neat bolsters, very very low, 2 SUs. Middle months: Chrome bumpers with large boxy black urethane bolsters. Spring risers hammered into the coils. Antirollbar still there. Half had 2SUs and latter half had 1 carb. Then the rubber baby buggy bumpers and the bedspring suspension. A friend bought a late 74 and there was a lot of difference in sport driving. Both had the same gearbox and brakes....but the sloppy suspension was terrible in the corners..... However it was a far better straight line interstate/dual carrigeway ride.

[@vikos78]

MGB still an accessible classic sportscar? I wish! Come to France, no decent car under 25 000 euros. A concours Mk1 can reach 40 000. I am glad I bought mine 14 years ago.

[@North49191]

Have them in Canada for less than $10k.

[@simongood3]

Was you both holding hands on that test drive ??

[@minibus1351]

I know I'm in the minority, but I actually prefer the rubber bumpers. It feels less cliche.

[@robertdavidson3090]

A look at any European sports cars in the early 60's and they had roughly the same or less horse power thane the MGB. Porsche 356 had less but it was a slightly lighter car. In the small, light sports car market the MGB was on par then.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

They didn't put blocks under the springs, leaf spring has a different mounting point, I had a n reg one, 1974 and it rolled and was awful.

[@johnmohanmusic]

0:12: "But because of that crucial American market changing its legislation in the mid-70's, it had to devolve." FIFY

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

It looks Italian because it was designed by Pininfarina. The rv8 actually looked fantastic and was the redesign the MGB actually should have had

[@stuwhite2337]

Mine's a late model with a Sebring conversion and I absolutely love it!

[@roystonvehicles9129]

You'll not get the geo right lowering a rb, cross member is different and they look silly with the scared cat stance, I remember a road test in custom car saying, hey you with the squashy nose headline.

[@nigelbond4056]

The original chrome bumper MGB was a pretty and well resolved piece of design. The rubber bumper version was a travesty: SUV ride height, too much visual weight and mechanically challenged. Not a fan I’m afraid.

[@peterriggall8409]

Even though the white car is very original I would fit lap belts as a minimum. The rubber bumper ones all had 3 windscreen wipers I think.

[@coastallad1010]

Chrome bumper and worth more.

[@andybowie8590]

Why on earth didn't they (BL) keep making the lower ride cars for everywhere except the USA? Colour coding the grill part would of helped the rubber bumpers blend in a bit better too. So many crazy things wasted British Leyland cars

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Matt black was in, in the 70s,chrome was out.

[@petergeorge4160]

RB’s any day. Five bearings are better than three. 😂

[@sailingyoumeandjosapea6770]

I don’t like the interior on the rubber bumper ones

[@roystonvehicles9129]

I've had loads of both and the lower cb is loads better, the higher rb ones had stiffer rear springs, further upseting things, tbh the rubber bumpers are so heavy, how come modern cars have flimsy nose cones as opposed to the massive rubber bumpers, seems hard on mg to the time, I've converted a few rb to cb mgbs and midgets, you've got to lower them tho, theses days I'd not bother as rb looks OK nowadays.

[@clivewhalley4008]

Had a 1980 rubber bumpered MGB and drove awful, steering was all over the place. Preferred my TR7 Drophead that i part exchanged it for. I lived in Abingdon most of my life and the car was sodding awful.

[@thomaspersson7387]

A beuty

[@nickbourne3202]

This video was OK till the rubber bumper come along.😅

[@jeffhildreth9244]

At 1:34... NO, the MGB is NOT a monocoque. Do some research. At 6:00 the rubber bumpers had nothing to do with mowing down pedestrians, the bumpers were design for a 5 MPH collision. Aside from the Rubber bumper B being a wallowing pig, it's the more than 25 HP reduction that makes it undesirable and a deterrent to purchase. As to a chrome bumper conversion, a minimum of $2500 USD and many hours of labor. . And then a lowering kit, then tossing the smog boggery and then trashing the carburettor for a proper set of SUs.. I see at least $5 grand and then you still have an RBB. If I were to get an RBB it would have to be Red, Black or BRG. Leave the bumpers keep the taller suspension for mild off roading. and pull the engine and do it up right to stage 2. And instead of the chrome bumper kit add one of the fibre glass nose and tail kits that do not require massive chassis work and a fraction of the price for a chrome bumper kit.

[@PnoMonies]

I have a 77 rubber bumper and I’m in the process of converting to chrome bumpers. The rubber is so ugly, can’t stand seeing it. I live in Los Angeles and I get weird as looks driving around 😅. They just don’t know style, if it isn’t a Tesla you’re not cool.

[@patchadams4me]

Ruined classic! Rubber baby buggy bumpers.

[@dirtydogvideo]

good review

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!