MGB Review!-Are All MG's Unreliable?

In a word, no. Any older car in particular is as reliable as it's service schedule. Look after these and they'll just keep trooping.

[@alexstern3583]

Thanks for reviewing my little MG David! It was a ton of fun

[@Rekt-M8-v4]

Alex Stern i would like to ask how many recent repairs have you done and would you consider this car reliable? does it deserve the stigma of unreliability it has?

[@melindamanthey2757]

Why not have someone who really knows MGBs drive and review thew car.. and er um.. work on it

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

Thanks for watching guys! Do you dig the MG?

[@travisarnold4605]

Lemme ask you this first, If I punch myself and cry, am I strong or weak?

[@crashcommander]

ThatDudeinBlue true story. My mum would only go out with my dad because he drove a MGB. I owe my existence to a pile of rust and dubious engineering....

[@justinhoth7376]

MGBs are my favorite car. actually rebuilding a 1970 motor right now

[@DragonInfraXtremeRGT]

are you gonna do a review of the s30's ? 1:37

[@bisterousmusic2738]

ThatDudeinBlue my Parents had one when I was growing up. Also love from the UK 🔰

[@davidlarue4657]

50-55 mph top speed? Dude. WTF that is not true at all. Top speed is 105 mph. That is redline in 4th gear.

[@anthonyparkinson5820]

Yea, that cracked me up. Maybe 55 on those canyon roads but on a straight highway it can move.

[@williamscroggins9627]

Yeah, I don't know where he gets the 50-55 mph thing. These cars are more than capable of 90-95 mph. I have owned 5 MGBs in my life. I currently own a 1975 MGB that I have completely restored to pre-1974 standards: HIF-4 SU carbs, Peco exhaust system. suspension lowered to pre-74 standards, etc. Mine will easily do 90 mph. I don't normally drive it that fast, but have tried it out. They will especially drive that fast if you have overdrive installed in your car, which some originally had. My '75 had it, but a previous owner removed it. I bought my first MGB (a 1963) in 1971 in San Diego when I was in the Navy. I drove it home to Texas when I got out of the Navy. Easily drove highway speeds of 75 to 80 mph on the way home. I love MGs! When the MG Car Company went out of business in 1980, Mazda came out with the Miata (MX-5) to capture the demand for small sports cars. The Miata was designed by Mazda with the MGB in mind.

[@jammbigoat9393]

William Scroggins nice. I own a 1974 MGB convertible. Straight piped with a complete restoration and of course chrome bumpers with knock off rims. Fun car.

[@dayr2172]

@@williamscroggins9627 nice i myself got a mgb gt 1973 with a turbo

[@rob098890]

I mean the 70's us cars were throttled for emissions rules, they lose like 30hp thanks to only having one carb, easily fixed though would be suprised if it was stock

[@sofakingtouge2399]

In 1990 at 18 i bought a pos triumph spitfire. i threw on a license plate from an old car my dad had in the driveway. i only had a learners permit. i then drove from my home town in Emporia Kansas to NYC. i had $150. somehow that got me there. and for the next 22 years lived in nyc. how i got there, how i didnt end up on the streets is beyond me. what happened to the triumph? it got towed within a few days and i never saw it again.

[@sw651]

Now that's a road trip. I feel bad that you lived in NYC for 22 years though. lol

[@zodrob7]

There's no way you could live in NYC for 22 years with $150.

[@olliestevens754]

@@zodrob7 that got him there not lived on it

[@TheJpep2424]

@Ollie Stevens it was a joke

[@skunkhollow1]

Top speed of 55-60 mph? Please do some research before you spout off random numbers that you have no basis for. @2:37

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Just one of the many reasons the reviewer and video have zero credibility.

[@lamella64]

50 shades of "British racing green"

[@sondreolsen6725]

Make this top comment

[@AsGarage]

hey guys! come check out my channel for weekly vlogs and car related videos! leaving me some feedback is always appreciated! thanks! :D

[@ThatOneGuySometime]

A's Garage How about no.

[@lamella64]

Checked your channel out (as in watched your last vid and clicked through some other ones) and i'm gonna be harsh. feel free to not read this if you dont have the thick skin you need for being a youtuber yet. Begging for views is an anoying habbit, please stop. you barely have any videos yet so theres no need to be this desperate. maybe do it if you have content to be proud of and you still have no recognition (doubt that'd happen, good content equals subscribers). your vlog has little to no content to it and absolutely none for carguys. If you wanna vlog your life then calling your channel "Garage" is missleading and it will attract the wrong people. everyone has to eat, just telling people that you ate something is not worth while content. the people who can make it work have an intresting personality and usually have a big channel and lots of subscribers, some of whom are intrested in their daily routines. telling people that you edit videos without any advice or insight is pointless. youre a youtuber and we know you edit videos and no its not unique or admireable in any way. in your intro the mic is peaking so bad it hurts. having 1080p@60fps is only worth it if your camerawork is good otherwhise it's just wasted space. Having clickbaity titles and thumbnails pisses alot of people off these days too. buying subscribers with giveaways (again) only works if you allready have good content to retain them and still looks desperate. Dont say stuff as facts until you know for sure. it's fine if you dont know much, watching someone learn things is entertaining but seeing a guy who's cock sure but knows little is cringe worthy. you keep way too much of the footage in the videos. there are massive ammounts of useless footage in them. the only "good" thing on your channel is the sparkplug change vid but even that is painful to watch at some parts. anyway... i wish great success to you if this is what you want to do. have a good one.

[@asyouratty13]

Who the fuck are you to talk? you have 1 sub & 0 posted videos, who cares what you think, go be critical of someone else...

[@sarjim4381]

I owned a 1966 MGB for almost 30 years. I gave it to my son so he'd have a car to use at college. It was a generally reliable car except for the starter. It had a bendix spring that would collapse on regular basis. Getting out the lug nut wrench and giving the spring a good yank usually fixed it for awhile, but the starter would have to be replaced after the spring did that a couple times. The biggest problem was the body. Nothing fit right, and water poured in on your legs when it rained. I chased those leaks for year and never got them totally stopped. Still, I'm an old man now, and I'd love to have it back. It's something you drive to be transported back to your youth. For young guys like this dude, you'd hate it. An MG requires care, and young men of today just won't do the required servicing. Buy a Miata. You'll be fooled into thinking you're driving an MG, and it will run forever, even if never service it. The MG is from another age, and it won't make sense unless you owned it during that age.

[@jammbigoat9393]

Sar Jim I own a 1974 mgb and you are absolutely right about the rain leaking into the car. Haha

[@miguelsalami]

Such True words of wisdom & I'm so glad I had one back in the day it's the one I miss the most so many good times with that car in the Phoenix desert❗

[@cdjhyoung]

@@miguelsalami The Arizona desert is the ultimate place to own one of these cars. It is hard to believe that a car designed and built in rainy Britain could have as many rain adverse problems as an MGB, or MG Midget for that matter. I guess the Brits didn't care: both cars were designed for export to the US, their biggest market by far.

[@24daytona26]

I figured out the water pouring on your legs thing. Just put a peice of tarp over the air box intake.

[@DOITWITHDAN]

My dad had one of these when he was a kid

[@mistashiftz5070]

Do It With Dan my dad touched me if that counts

[@tazswagg]

Zachary Wisher L

[@AsGarage]

hey guys! come check out my channel for weekly vlogs and car related videos! leaving me some feedback is always appreciated! thanks! :D

[@GetFamousORDIETRYING]

A's Garage only if you check mine out

[@mousetrap1373]

Do It With Dan same Danny boy

[@zodrob7]

My first 2 cars were MGB Roadsters, i found them extremely reliable and easy to work on. Both cars had overdrive (his probably did too but he didn't know) Great cars for twisty country roads. And you could get around 100mph out of them, not 55 or whatever he said.

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

The car's color is not just green. It's called British Racing Green..

[@don-cw1yz]

British Racing Green is darker, looks more like Brooklands Green.

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

Regardless,,it's not just green. Upon further examination and looking at BRG pics of other cars you might be right.

[@tde720]

lets get this straight. they were built to be an affordable sports car that can do 100 mph. My 1975 will do that without skipping a beat but thats after a whole front end bushing job and fixing some electrical gremlins(and i have a wiring harness on order) once you have the electrical sorted then they are great cars....but they arent that small. Messerschmidt kr200....thats small.

[@cdjhyoung]

I don't know anyone with balls big enough to drive a Messerschmidt KR200 100 mph, fantasizing that you could find the horsepower to get them there.

[@codyzimmerman6831]

Always loved these things. My dad has 6 of them. Yes, they do break quite a bit, but at the same time, if you're a gear head and love working on your own cars it's perfect!!. Always something to tinker on or improve. Also, it's so simple of a car an afternoon can fix ANYTHING on it. Anyways, great to hear love on these things. I gotta say. someday i'll likely pick up one. Might do a Focus St engine swap in it though... we'll see :)

[@zodrob7]

When you said 50-55mph sadly i realised you don't know much.

[@josephcataline8782]

I agree. I have owned 5 MGB'S. One I had was a "72 and I had it up to 100mph.

[@mantalex4969]

@@josephcataline8782 Totally agree. I've driven nearly 20 different MGs, stock and modified, and they can easily get to 100+ Especially with a 5.0L Ford in it

[@1986Honda4trax]

Alex Mantell especially with a ford 5.0L in it😹😹😹

[@jimcarlile7238]

Yep. Agree. 90 mph was never a problem stock. I also rarely saw green MGBs either.

[@zodrob7]

@@jimcarlile7238 My 2nd one was Brooklands green. Pretty much like this one as i recall

[@defour6475]

same as rx7's take care of the car and it will take of you. Love the video as always bro

[@alexchulzhanov]

That's true with any car.

[@larrycubes8381]

byalexandr yeah but rotaries are different.

[@Rabbit_Hill]

Defour haha I'm trying to sell my MGB for an RX-7

[@jimmygrant3212]

Defour yeah electrical systems on these cars don't follow the take care of it and it'll take care of you. They're awful without exaggeration like most car reliability is. Working on them is awful specialist shops won't even fix the old Lucas wiring harness.

[@johngow4245]

Defour a

[@energyasylum997]

Back in 2002 and at the age of 21, I bought a 1972 MGB roadster. It was British Racing Green with beige interior and a black top. It wasn't my daily driver, but my fun evening cruiser that was reliable for the three years that I owned it.

[@jakeclappi]

The top speed is not 50mph I’ve been 90 in mine!!

[@g0fvt]

It does the review no good to be so inaccurate, they are certainly not fast cars but not 50mph. I am in the UK where most of our older cars were very light. A 2 door Cortina MK1 weighs considerably less than an MGB (and also had front discs in most versions). There are a lot of MGBs still on the road in the UK, not daily drivers so much as fun cars, I don't think they are horrendously unreliable though I would definitely use an alternator in an earlier one.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@g0fvt My 1963 MGB is a daily driver, and yes I do have an alternator but have decided to go back to a generator just to have at least on B still "original". I have never had a generator fail on a Brit car ( I have owned about 40 of them to include MGs , Thames vans, Morris Minors and Oxfords and a Fairthorpe Electron Climax.. one of 30, and an SD1 and 5 Land Rovers from 1958 through 1974. )

[@g0fvt]

@@jeffhildreth9244, some people do like originality, I am in the UK so have spent my life with many of these cars. Dynamos themselves are pretty reliable but the control boxes can act up. Usually arced contacts which can be cleaned up but still a potential nuisance. If I had an MGB I would prioritise fitting electronic ignition and an alternator. But we are all different. Of course both changes are easily reversible. I have never messed with a Fairthorpe but they would go well with a sorted Imp engine...

[@anthonyjaswinski5732]

The only car I ever owned that women actually ask about her. Everyone loves a little MGB

[@nashidaperv2351]

i always thought of them like miatas before miatas

[@slidewayskenny6925]

jacob harrison except miatas are super reliable

[@NoBrakes23]

Close. Miatas were designed to be an homage to British roadsters in general, but the Lotus Elan specifically.

[@PaulZink]

The Miata was intentionally based on the MGB and designed to be a modern version of the same, right down to the curb weight and dimensions: a lightweight, simple, fun-t-drive and affordable convertible sports car.

[@paulmetcalf4471]

True, but the Miata has no soul. The MGB has a soul.....and tons of character. Mine ran more often than not and was thoroughly enjoyable on a daily basis. One of those that I let get away, wish I never did.

[@SpitfireFortyFour]

@@slidewayskenny6925 MGBs aren't unreliable, those B-Series engines are pretty tough. The 16 valve triumph engines required tons of maintenance otherwise theyd go wrong. Not that it mattered much with the four cylinders considering by the end both Triumph and MG stuck small block V8s in their cars.

[@4968Pete]

Got a 1979 MGB myself, absolutely love it.

[@AdamC3046]

Mine is. All I'm sayin'

[@boktorinator693]

Hey! I just saw one of your videos. You've got a beautiful car :)

[@deathlyplagues]

Just wanted to say that I appreciate everything you do for the car community David. I always liked cars when I was younger, but it wasn't until my little brother and I started watching videos like yours that we got super into it! I can't wait until I can sell my truck and get something fun. Got a little off on a tangent there, but seriously, thank you for all that you do man. Hope to see you at FD!!

[@The-Handsome-Devil]

55 -60 top speed? i think you better try again. i have a 78 and i can drive it at 70 all day along and i have had it up to 90 with a bit more to go. top speed on these cars are 106 mph

[@alexstern3583]

Do you have the wire wheels? Mine gets a little sketchy above 65

[@drjohn5801]

What do you mean by "sketchy"? If you are referring to front end vibration, the wheels may have required balancing. I have owned several MGB's over the last 50 years and can attest, that if maintained are fun and reliable. FYI try a supercharged MGB, it transforms the car and will thrill you!

[@ctpctp]

I drive my 1967, with wire wheels, 75+ all the time. Get your wheels serviced, as they ought to be, and go get you some more speed, Alex.

[@AJuchum]

I had a new 67 mgb and I hit 103 mph one day!! It did break after about 30K miles. The repair shop said to "get rid of it while I still can". Loved it though. The color is called British Racing Green.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

You were obviously at the wrong "repair shop".

[@AJuchum]

@@jeffhildreth9244 Yeah, years later, I think all the smoke wasn't valve guides but a PCV valve.

[@nickpaolantonio6974]

MGB's are awesome. You can have soo much fun under 40mph! we still have one hanging around in our garage a 1980 duel carb swap. Car is a jewel nothing quite like it out there.

[@stacydolci3621]

I had a 1975 and and 1976 MGB and I used to say the sun and the moon had to align for it to work right, but I still loved them.

[@alanbailey5621]

55 or 60 mph top speed? there's something wrong with your "B"

[@edhollingsworth2335]

I HAD A '63 CONVERTABLE IN LA IN 1969. SO MUCH FUN!

[@glennmiller394]

I'm old. I remember the first time one came into the gas station I worked at when I was in college. Three windshield wipers! A first! I marveled at the technology.

[@cdjhyoung]

Did you happen to get it on a hoist and take a look at that ox cart rear suspension they were using? Of all the quirks of the MGB, those rear springs and lever shock absorbers irked me the most.

[@barnsweb52]

I've had four, plus an A, and a Healy 3000. Overall, the MGB is the most fun, let alone the most fun for the money. Current one is the MGB GT, in the shop for replacing all the seals, new electronic distributor, new fuel pump, new tires. But what 50 year old car would you drive around without maintaining? MGB is a great car.

[@a1r6]

I drive a '78 MGB everyday in the summer and I love it. The most fun ive ever had behind the wheel. I also love the culture of it, I'm only 22 and I get a lot of older people asking me about it and I love hearing their stories from when they drove them when they were younger. Cool little car

[@badcompanyCDN]

I owned a 1969 British Racing Green with single hub wire spoked wheels. Only had problems with the hydraulic clutch and weird shocks. I was in high school at the time. Great memories

[@Cafferssss]

British viewer here, this era of British cars are the best. I think my favourite is the frogeye though.

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

I've had three British roadsters ,a 59 MGA, a 67 Spitfire mklll and a 79 MGB. MGA was my favourite by far. Friend had a Frogeye Sprite and raced it in SCCA roadraces .

[@miguelsalami]

I owned a 1967 MGB 1800cc dual carbed 4cyl 4spd when I was 16 & I drove the piss out of it lol. Living out west in Arizona I could run wide open out in the desert. My 67 would peg the 120mph speedometer. These cars handled all of their power well in the twistys & were extremely fun to drive. My MG was British Racing green with real spoke wheels & 3 point knock-offs. I remember carrying a rubber mallet to remove the wheels & keep them tight. I found a real nice tonneau cover that zipped up the center so I could keep the top down. I paid $600 for the car & it was in mint condition. The Lady who owned it bought a brand new Datsun in 280z with chrome spoke wheels man that was a nice ride in the 1970s💙

[@jeffhildreth9244]

No 1967 MGB would go 120 miles per hour.. impossible without a replaced differential and a completely race built engine. The knock offs were 2 wing not 3 unless someone wasted some money. And as to a rubber hammer, more BS.. it takes a brass or copper hammer.

[@miguelsalami]

@@jeffhildreth9244 The rear end was replaced with a rebuilt one out of a friend's fully modified 65 MGB, he bought a set of alloy race wheels & needed my stock axles for his wheels but the axles weren't the same size so we had to switch complete rear ends, my car was much faster after this. as far as the knockoffs are concerned & the mallet maybe it was brass maybe there were 3 WTF difference does it make? The car was perfectly capable of running 120mph wide open in 4th gear. This was 1975 the car was only 8 years old & we ran Sunoco Super 102 octane gas. Have you ever driven on desert flats? There's nothing out there plenty of room to hit top speed. Back in those day's street drag racing was huge & anytime another sports car pulled up next to you there was always a race. The Triumph TR-6 would always outrun the MG but the TR-3s & Spitfires, Data in Lady Bugs & Fiat Spyders didn't have a chance. The Datsun 240z & 260z were 2 other 6cyl cars the MG couldn't beat.

[@robbieelvin4951]

Firstly that wasn't even the smallest car MG was making at the time, secondly they have a top speed of about 100 mph.

[@cdjhyoung]

105 mph if everything is healthy and tight. An MGB is the only car I've ever driven you could actual red line the engine in top gear. 6500 rpm at 105 MPH. But hold on: the suspension, even if fresh was pretty wonkie above 80 mph.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@cdjhyoung Red line on an MGB is 5500 RPM.

[@cdjhyoung]

@@jeffhildreth9244 I'll admit I'm working off of 50 year old memories, but I do think the MGB redlined at 6500. Or was that the MG Midget?

[@jimmyjoejeeter2366]

When I drove my 1972 MGB home from buying it and pulled in the drive way. The heater & wiper motor burn up! Smoke was coming out. I was looking how to open up the hood! Mine was kind of a lemon, the clutch went out about 3 months later. I would own another one in a heart beat!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Wrong owner.

[@garyackerman910]

I loved your review! You're right about the light, responsive feel of the MGB. I had a Brooklands green '65. It had the early three main bearing engine. It was torquey, liked to wind up over 5000 easily and made a glorious, throaty, crackling exhaust note. I'd heard that the dual SU carbs were a pain to synchronize and that the Lucas electricals and ignition unreliable. What I experienced: Fiddle around a bit with the carbs, learn to synchronize the throttles, and I didn't have to touch them for two years, except to fill the oil reservoirs in the carbs' dampers. It WAS a bit hard to start in the South Dakota winter, as the carbs had a poor choke setup. Never had a reliability issue with ignition, starting, lights or any other parts except for the usual points adjustments. After initial wear of the rubbing block, that was over and I wouldn't touch the point gap for months. I installed an overdrive from a '68 B which dropped rpm at 70 MPH from 4000 to 3000. In top overdrive the tach said 4000 at 90 mph and I had it up to 107 one night. The car could cruise at 80-85 all day with the overdrive and make about 30 mpg if I kept it under 75. Still my favorite car ever!

[@melindamanthey2757]

Another properly recounted experience with a B, unlike this video.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

A couple notes here.. The three main B engine was used until October of 1964. On that date the engine changed to a five main. There were no three main 1965 Cars. It is possible you have a 1964 which was not sold until 1965 and registered as a 1965 like mine. And as to putting a 1968 Overdrive box into a three main engine .. nope.. First the transmission tunnel is too narrow and secondly the gear box would not mate up to a 3 main without extensive rear plate swapping and machining.

[@boykinlp]

I had a 1970 MGB when I was in high school. Unfortunately, mine spent a lot of time in the shop. But, when it was running, it was so FUN to drive. Mine came with an eight track player! It definitely had personality. Thanks for the memories!

[@WezleyB]

so if that seams small, I'll guess that you haven't seen a MG- midget.......

[@Radfordperson]

or the Frogeye Sprite (British name for it)

[@BritishBeeMan]

MG's unreliable? I've had 8 classic mg's and one mgb I've owned since 1994 and I've only ever had one break down in total across the lot and that was due to a dead battery on a long drive due to a dead alternator. Which is amazing for ANY brand of classic car and speaking to the owners clubs over the years I'm not alone in it.

[@carguy67b]

No it's not fast, but they handle ok,, overdrive is a must option, I've done 7 of them over the years, with other british. Bottom line, a Properly Serviced, Properly put together car will be as dependable as any thing else you can drive, with a high fun factor.

[@mrc7966]

Available with six forward speeds (because overdrive) and much higher top speed than 55. Do your research.

[@theodevries4681]

I have a rover mini 90HP 500KG 4 speed it is sooooooo fun ! you shoud review them !!

[@tomcole020]

Theo De Vries I have an MGF and its 120hp and only weighs about 1300kg it's amazing on country roads

[@1999danie]

+Thomas Cole 1.8? Google 135 k series cams and get the cams put in and the 135 ecu

[@tomcole020]

iCloud so what would that do? give you a boost in power?

[@TheMightyMcoo]

Opens and closes your valve much more aggressively, you would need to get your timing done and for the best gains buy some vernier adjustable pulleys aswell.

[@1999danie]

+TheMightyMcoo not required mate, the mg Tf / f came with a 135 engine and the only difference is the cams have an increased duration and you need a 135 ecu so you don't get a lumpy idle

[@njndeheer]

Hey David! My dad started restoring his MGA in the 90's and he finished it in 2012. It's in perfect condition and it's baby blue (almost grabber blue!). My dad is the one who got me into cars and now I'm restoring my own '75 Mini (I'm 16). I'm Dutch so whenever you come to europe feel free to stop by and drive our cars! Keep up the good word David!

[@Powersproductions130]

Loving the classics you're reviewing!! Keep it up man!

[@TakeDeadAim]

I not only own a 73MGB, but also do quite a bit of modification to the cylinder heads which in turn I sell. MGB's are very reliable IF the owner does the proper maintenance AND drives it on a regular basis. I have 110k miles on mine and it's my daily driver from June until October for the most part. I still run the OEM carbs and point dizzy as well. It runs like a scalded dog and I average between 26-30MPG so it's also economical to boot! Most owners can make some simple modifications to the head which wake the "undersquare"(A long stroke engine which has higher piston travel in inches per up-down cycle/ per revolution, thus piston speed is higher and velocity is too. This gives better low RPM pumping and more efficiency at the lower RPM's..) They produced a ton of them so they're not hard to find, not expensive to buy and parts are still fairly readily available. It's not fast...but virtually everytime I pull up to a gas station I have someone come over and say something like "I had one of those in college" etc...Just an all around fun car to drive and almost anyone can maintain it with basic tools.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Cylinder head mods , a different cam and electronic ignition will transform a very reliable MG into a slightly faster reliable car.

[@Queensizemusic]

You’ll find the acceleration point is particularly fun from 50-55 and up in the 3Rd gear, especially with the models after 1975.

[@the6cow6god6]

ive seen 2 red ones and one black one here in Delaware but NEVER saw one with a trailer hitch on it, that seems odd! they look like fun little cars tho, if I could find a clean one with a good body id buy it and maybe put a ford ecoboost engine in it

[@joelonzello4189]

They were pretty sturdy/reliable in my experience

[@georules]

I have a 79 MG Midget. Your review is pretty accurate. Feels like you're going fast, fun to drive, and you'd be smashed like a pancake in an accident ;) I'm often fixing things on it, but it's always been running well.

[@dennismattson8383]

I'm in Awe. running across this. YOU in an MGB, just earned a million respect points. LOVE MGB's, Midgets, Sprites, etc.. had a pristine '68 MGB years ago I regret selling... Last year I bought a '68 Austin Healey Sprite.. and you think that MGB is small ??? Ha.. It makes my '17 Fiat 124 Spider seem Huge... There is nothing that compares to the raw simplicity of driving an old British sports car... The feeling of being one with the car , the sounds of the engine.. Sure they may be slow by todays standards... but I could care less when I'm behind the wheel..... and people just stare at you... in a sea of SUV's My Sprite I compare to a street legal Go-Kart... Wouldn't trade it for the world... Looking to add an MGB or MGB GT to my garage also in the future.. you can add AC to them... SO... do a MG Midget / AH Sprite Vid sometime !!!! Best to you, and miss Blue... Always

[@melindamanthey2757]

You want to put an A/C in "B".. you are joking.. right?

[@kastewart1001]

Great review. I bought a 1975, upgraded to the O/D. With 6 speeds to play with, the car is a dream.

[@greggordon680]

Had a 66mgb up to 100 mph I don't get where he came up with 55 mph top speed

[@themccartneys5062]

I've got a 1975 mgb with a 3.4l chevy crate v6 and a camaro t5

[@michaelrawlins419]

Review a Triumph next. Maybe a TR6 or a TR8

[@skunkhollow1]

or a TR7. lol :p

[@RandallChase1]

I LOVE my 1973 MGB. It's a family car, my dad and brother restored it and now it's my turn to drive and enjoy it. We will keep this little firecracker going for a long time!

[@txl420]

ive got a white mg b and i love it

[@tomcole020]

Will TB Film I just bought an MGF :-) it's great and I actually love it! Are you in the uk btw?

[@txl420]

Thomas Cole yeah they are great, and yeah I'm in the uk, you?

[@FreeUpTheWeed]

My uncle has a restored(red) beautiful Mgb coupe he takes on classic rally runs. I can't remember the specifics but it's not "racing" as much as it is orienteering by the sound of it. Looks great with white stripe tyres and brand new looking everything. In New Zealand by the way.

[@tomcole020]

Will TB Film I'm the uk too I was just wondering lol. are you going to MG live this year?

[@txl420]

Adam Loer no way that's mad, how many are about in New Zealand ?

[@jasjas-rm9kc]

Reliable? Back in 1973 I had a 1973 MGB. It was a pretty good car, all things considered. Not many problems. A year or so later, I bought a 1974 MGB. It was trouble from day one. Not a good car at all. I should've kept the '73.

[@admrob]

Top speed 55-60? Bullshit. It'll go70-80 without a problem unless there's a problem.

[@johnclayden1670]

Had a few over the years: all 4-speed with O/D. Very economical, not that fast - barely topped 100 mph - but neat handling. Never found them unreliable. The baby MG is the Midget .... that is tiny.

[@djbk4lyf92]

Do you know what would really set this car off? Take this chassis and put it on a Land Rover Discovery. It would be the perfect vehicle; a sporty V8 that can go off-road. It would redefine SUV.

[@scottsherman7069]

Jeremy ruined two beautiful classics for that very unfunny skit. The MGB and Mercedes did not deserve to be butchered up for that crap creation "he" made.

[@Paul-qc9ps]

djbk4lyf92 they are unibody

[@lonsmallridge9923]

The factory did that in 1973 with an aluminum block Rover V8 in the GT version. Never exported to the states but there are quite a few GT's and roadsters here that have been converted.

[@PaulZink]

Often with Chevy small block 350s. Three years ago, a guy brought a V8 conversion to MG Day at the Museum of Transportation in Boston; looked perfectly stock from the outside at first glance, but when you opened the hood, you saw a Chevy Big-block 454 that had been bored and stroked to a 472 c.i. motor. The car actually had a custom welded tubular space frame with an MGB body put on it, subtly and inconspicuously lengthened by 2 inches at the front fenders.

[@RedAndtheBlackRocker]

When I was a kid in the 70s my older brother had an MG just like this one, I never got to drive it but it was such a blast to ride around in the summer with the top down. I'm 57 now and just bought a Mazda MX-5 Miata soft top, it's the next best thing and brings back some of those memories. Thanks for a great video, those canyons look so cool!

[@carguy67b]

NO they are Not unreliable cars. MGB’s like other entry level British cars of the day were inexpensive simple fun little cars. They worked reasonably well, considering the engineering was about 10 years behind the times. Because MG like many other British car manufactures of the day were poorly managed and did’nt have much money to spend on R & D to keep their products updated. That was some of the charm. A lot of the poor reputation stemmed from terrible management (again) and complete lack of quality control at the US dealer network level when the cars were new. That issue aside the vehicles did require regular maintenance that if not followed typically meant the cars would tend to fall apart. Combined with the fact that many of the people purchasing these cars did so because that was what/all they could afford. Acclimated postponed repairs, the shortage of owners funds usually meant that some ham-fisted moron that could barely do a home repair was pressed into keeping these cars on the road, and well, that often meant the end of the cars useful life with peoples typical response being it was terrible car. They weren’t. They Unfourtently just weren’t the kind of product that could go 60-80 90+K miles with an occasional oil change like a Chevy. BUT, Bottom line, try to find an early one with an overdrive (it’ll cruise 75mph all day long @ 30mpg) and My experience is a Properly Prepared & Maintained MGB will provide Many 10’s of 1,000’s of miles of inexpensive, Dependable, Enjoyable use.

[@melindamanthey2757]

The video was a result of ignorance, bias, myth and bull shit.

[@zodrob7]

I agree. My first car was a MGB Roadster with wire wheels and chrome bumpers and i loved that car, never had a problem with it. I used to drive it up and down from Southampton to Glasgow regularly (always taking the country roads and not the motorway) I bought it when i was 17 and now i'm 55 and wish i could have it back! Regular servicing was the key!

[@jammbigoat9393]

peter wright I’m 18 and own a 1974 mgb convertible with chrome bumpers and straight piped. Repainted to red metallic color. Love the classics

[@ColonelBagshott675]

Yes, in a word, unreliable, usually very rusty to boot. There are far better buys for your money out there, however, that being said, a well sorted one with quality components can make a very nice motor and are probably now worth holding onto as good ones are rare with so many bodged restorations out there. Shop wisely, look at lots and stick to your budget but buy the best you can afford.

[@slep5039]

I actually worked on a '57 MG, I forget which one. British wiring is a f**king BITCH!

[@MaltedBarley]

Ceazar Carr 60 years later nothing has changed LOL. One wire goes on a rover and the car wont start😂

[@Banom7a]

Lucas electric , princes of darkness, but my classic mini seems to be reliable tho

[@jimmygrant3212]

Ceazar Carr later ones were even worse trust don't ask how I know

[@lewishall626]

+Kevin Wang Nah that's cause its made in china now ;)

[@zodrob7]

You saying you found it complicated or what? I don't think it could be more basic.

[@johnwalters312]

currently restoring an MGB GT 1973 and it was a complete rust bucket when we started, replaces all 4 quarters and 1 of the floor plans

[@sw651]

I had a harvest gold 1973 MGB GT. The poor man's Aston Martin, I loved that car. Nothing looks as good as an MG on the road today. They stand out against the bland stuff offered now.

[@maxelrick5470]

i live in england im 17 and have a red 75 bgt

[@bisterousmusic2738]

max elrick I'm from UK too and 17 but I have a D series Coupe

[@angusrankin3140]

I'm 17 in England and I can't afford insurance

[@maxelrick5470]

Jamie Soil look for classic car insurance its 750 for me for the first year instead of about 3 grand

[@henrykincaid6821]

max elrick can I ask which classic insurance company you got yours from? I've tried a couple but they won't give me a quote

[@r3trdbaker]

im 21 with a 78 bgt (in the uk) i struggle to get a classic policy in my name but i am a named driver on my dads classic policy. costs us 600 quid for us both 5k miles a year

[@jasminestrachan9822]

Hey! That was fun to watch 🤩 I'm just in the process of buying a 1970 MG, also in British Racing Green... it's gonna need some love before it runs like that, tho!

[@supercolourmonster]

From the thumbnail I thought it was a TheSmokingTire video xD

[@adrip105]

josh_oohahhh I totally thought the same thing until the video started😂

[@staceybertran52]

A 1972 MGB was my first car. It was then my first car that I got to work on. It was orange and had the tonneau cover. The Dual SU carbs are fun to tune. The handling was fun and 4 speed gear box allowed me to train my Heal to Toe downshifting. This was a very fun car and I do miss it but it needed so much work to keep it road worthy. Really glad you got to experience this little British Roadster.

[@WTGRacing]

Be careful David. Once the old English car bug bites, the venom stays in you. *next video* "NEW PROJECT CAR! Triumph GT6 RB SWAP DRIFT MACHINE GONE SEXUAL 2018"

[@yateamorganization4317]

I have a 1979 excellent condition green with tan interior 79K original miles, how much shold I sell it?

[@TheMightyMcoo]

When I finish the engine conversion on my MG ZS you should come for a drive in it 👍🏻

TheMightyMcoo Is it one of those Reyland 20v conversions? there's footage of a guy running 400 bhp in one on KZbin and it's bullying anything from high end lotus cars to evos!

[@TheMightyMcoo]

It's the 1.8 turbo from the MG ZT I'm putting in mine. the standard engine only goes to around 220 bhp before things like the turbo, injectors, fuel lines and such need upgrading, with the right supporting mods and a standalone ecu the factory bottom end can be pushed to around 450bhp. And mine was out the factory on the last day MG/Rover was open so a special little car.

[@DisasterClean]

Dude - these cars go between 90-100 mph. I’ve been 90 in my MG Midget! The issues with these cars were the wiring, and the starters primarily. Once you replace the starter and some of the wiring, they are amazingly reliable. They did make several models with a fifth gear in later years. The spoked wheels on your earlier example are particularly attractive!!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

NO "they" did not make models with a 5th gear.

[@DisasterClean]

@@jeffhildreth9244 wow! I was in high school! Had no idea that mine was modified! You are definitely correct!

[@nismonicky]

Someone needs to 2j swap a mg with stickies and David needs to review it

[@collarbonecam]

Nismo Nick that exists, it's a midget though, look up wreck racing midget

[@NoBrakes23]

Doesn't that engine weigh a third of what this chassis weighs?

[@nismonicky]

NoBrakes23 most likely but it makes it up in horsepower 😂😂

[@UnlinealHand]

I think that would be a bit much for the MGB Chassis. There was a version of the MGB GT (hatchback version of this car) that had a 3.5L V8 in it and that's about as much horsepower as I'd ever want.

[@albertfaulkner7126]

I have an Mgb in black, I just love it. Been over bored to two litre. Lotus cortina pistons big carbs. Lighting flywheel

[@brettkirkpatrick464]

MGB's (Morris Garages Model B) can be reliable if they are daily driven. My father drove a 1976 for 100k while I was growing up and I learned about the unique character of these cars. This was the car I learned to drive a manual transmission on, and remains one of the most positive shifter actions I have ever driven. 1/2" throws and yes, reverse can be unwilling if you don't slap the shifter to your knee and yank back to your hip (you'll learn the technique-think open palm towards your rib cage hard, grip, yank back). Everything electrical will break. The car will leak rainwater into the interior-soft top or hard top-especially while driving. And then there's the rust. These cars were famous for rusting at the following places: front fenders, floor pans, rocker panels (under doors), trunk pan, door skins (fun fact: check the passenger door skin for a crack near the vent window-this was a factory screw up in the stamping and they all cracked-if it isn't cracked, it's been fixed by an owner). Rust is terminal on these things because they do not have a frame. Repeat no frame. American cars had frames through the 1980s, the British wanted a lighter car, so they did unibody construction on MGBs. This means that every bit of the structure must be good, or the whole car flexes. (Speaking of which, don't put your arm on the door sill while driving, or the flexing of the body will pinch your forearm between the door and the doorjamb) Anything rubber or rubber related should be replaced-hoses, fuel lines, brake lines, door seals. It does have a heater, but don't expect heat. The HVAC knob has a defrost setting to clear the windshield, but don't bother-just carry a large bath towel and wipe as you drive. Speed, don't expect any--although later cars like the one I drove did have an electric overdrive which worked like a 5th gear allowing 65 mph cruise on the highway. Really you could switch it on in any forward gear-but it would just make you go slower. Positives: Gearbox, Steering, Feeling of accomplishment as you drive something that you just worked all day on. Negatives: Now priced to the point where only those who don't understand them will buy them and then scratch their heads when it doesn't offer Civic like reliability.

[@alexstern3583]

Awesome comment! This is my MG, so thanks for sharing so much of your knowledge. So true about the shifter, it's one of my favorites of all time and you just have to know how reverse works. Also very true about rust, this one has some on the floor boards and a few small bubbles above a rear wheel well. It's been running almost flawlessly since we bought it around 2000. I think in the mid 90s is when it got new paint and leather/carpet. Unfortunately my family let it sit in storage for like 7 years up until last year when I had it shipped out to me on the west coast. All it needed was a clutch master cylinder and it's been a perfect little weekend beach cruiser since.

[@melindamanthey2757]

As with any std gear box.. if you want to go into reverse.. put it in second then reverse.. SOP in a B or any Brit car.

[@caleb180]

The only car that can make a Miata look big lol

[@ConnorMcIntyre1997]

My grandma has an MG B that's very similar to the one you reviewed (accept the one she has is orange). From what I remember she used to have a red one back when she was in high school/college. At some point in time she got rid of it (probably due to having a family) and I'd say 18-20 years later she got another one that was orange and she's had it ever since! She let me drive it once and I completely agree with you about how different it is compared to now. It was one of the best driving experiences I've ever had! Having no power steering and no assisted brakes, you are really able to get great feedback from the road. I can't wait to dive it again!

[@chrispearaon1728]

I love the sound of it

[@melindamanthey2757]

After market exhaust.

[@johnvest8872]

I have have had two mgas , an Austin Healy , and a cobra .the one thing all British cars share is a timeless beauty in their styling. hang the performance , they are fun to drive !

[@ImElkay]

Geez that think has swirl marks from heck. Put me in touch with the owner so I can detail it ;)

[@selaudinagolli4638]

ImElkay his name +Alex Stern ...thank me later

[@alexstern3583]

Yup that's mine. It was born yellow and got a nice paint job in the early 90s but it needs some serious help these days

[@ImElkay]

Alex Stern where do you live at?

[@alexstern3583]

ImElkay LA

[@ImElkay]

HAHA little bit far away but if you pay for the 30 hour drive I'll come do it

[@ericcriteser4001]

The smiles tell the whole story. I love my '77 and it's not even as fast as the pre-75s! Thanks for sharing.

[@mbrant4973]

I agree Eric. Have had mine 3 years. Very reliable. Smooth as silk on the highway at 70+ mph.

[@PilotOlms]

Exactly. He smiled and He loved it ! .. he had way more fun than the title suggested. Ha

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Dump the single carb and put on a proper set of SUs.. That would transform your car into a proper MGB. (please no Webers)...

[@Ivan_2201]

Who here saw the 240z

[@barnsweb52]

55 top speed? No. Try 100 with good gas and timing.

[@luisfloressidekick]

Don't show the swirls!

[@mdspeedster2238]

This car reminded me of when I found this guy on a trip to Cape Cod with a homemade shed full of classics, ranging from old european roadsters to an RX-7

[@dono546]

Yes very unreliable - My mom bought a 75 model in 78 which I drove in high school early 80s - Always broke, cost about 2K a year to run it back then - Lots of electrical probs, brakes, water pump, oil pump went out and blew the engine at 40K miles - shut down on the way to school one morning - walked to use the phone, came back and had caught on fire under hood. Fire dept took an axe to the hood - Sold it for $500.00 after that - Fun but not dependable daily driver

[@forestghost7]

sorry you had such bad luck mate ... 75 was the MGBs worst year. my 72 BGT is dead reliable, does 10,000 km a yr no issues

[@evanhooper1]

My dad will love this. He's owned maybe 20 of these cars over his life. Before he retired, even did a few V8 swaps for people. Usually putting 350 TPI engines out of C4 Corvettes or third gen F-bodies into them. This video really means a lot to me.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

What a shame destroying decent MGs.

[@joelferrisjrferrislongterm5786]

I own a 1969 MGB roadster in mint condition. So much fun on twisty country roads near where I live. I love it. It has so much character and I get a lot of people waving and smiling when I go by. Hope you all have the opportunity to drive one someday.

[@madfiat8932]

Many of these had an electrically activated overdrive. There would be a switch down on the console somewhere to turn it on or off. It was an external overdrive unit from the transmission that could be added later. Many aren't aware, but both the MG B and the Fiat 124 Spyder were considered inspirations for the first MX5 Miata.

[@melindamanthey2757]

The LOTUS ELAN and the MGB were the inspiration for the MIATA. Suggest you do some research.

[@Merlinemryys]

I had a 1958 MGA coupe in HS and got a 1965 MGB when I graduated. My biggest problem was SU fuel pumps and I was taught to replace the points in them and kept a couple sets of points and a spare fuel pump. I would leave central Florida with $20 and drive to visit Mom in NC and arrive with $5 or $6 and 2/3 a tank of fuel left. These trips were before I-95 was finished and I would make the 600 miles in about 9 1/2 hours including 2 fuel stops. When I was in HS I came across an 1946 MGTC in my old home town . I could not raise the $600 the man wanted for it, oh well!

[@shaunkilleen6267]

I have a 64 in the same color and I love it!

[@michaelnaisbitt1590]

Yes they are reliable if you take precautions a trunk full of tools and a few spare parts ( fuel pump, alternator, at least one carburetor , and throw out bearings for clutch )

[@ajneuschwander8928]

Dude, this is the car that got me into cars!! My dad has a '71 MGB that was his first project car, and he and I got running again my senior year in high school. That was back when I could barely tell the difference between a Civic and a Camry. It's got all of the tings you talk about with the unique sound, super light handling, aaaand a handful of problems. They're an absolute blast around town and in canyons, though. Best part was it was originally a coupe, but due to extensive body damage and poor repairs before he got it, my dad cut the top off and made it a pseudo-convertible with a roll cage on it! Lots of great memories with these cars.

[@davewilson3951]

My first car was a '73 MGB, my dad bought it brand new off the lot all those years ago and kept it in the family. I have so many memories of him driving me around in it, teaching me how to drive in it, and when I moved out, he gave it to me. Sadly a few years later it started leaking at the windshield and dripping on my leg. I was a student at the time living in Victoria BC, I had no money to fix it and I had to sell it. Broke my heart to sell it, this car represented my freedom, but I will never forget the feeling of driving this car. I will forever be in love with convertibles, and I will eventually buy another convertible again one day, but I will never forget the MGB.

[@meghandougher3335]

My 1st car back in 1967 was an MG Midget $500. my 2nd car was a Triumph GT6 (rare bird, look em up). Married, had kids, blur until 2001 my oldest saw my old cars in a photo album and said wow what that! The hunt was on. Found a '71 MGB driver. Had a ball driving and fixing as we went along. Found a '70 Triumph GT6+ next- 5 year father/son restoration. Now I'm hooked. Both so damn fun to drive. I call them my time machines that take you back to the excitement of driving during high school. Restored a '68 MGB next for my middle son next- turned out beautiful BRGreen & Tan interior. Now I have to find a cute lil Frogeye Sprite for my daughter. Currently working on another rare bird the MGC GT (look it up if you don't know what they are). Nothing better for a twisty country road with the only music being the exhaust note. These cars simply get in your blood!

[@zackherzer]

I've got one, a GT though! Pretty unusual car to see in daily traffic, especially with 18 yo me behind the wheel. Never left me stranded, if you keep a hammer, adjustable wrench, and oil in the car you can't lose. Also, the car can go over 55, I've had mine over 100! Great car, even if it isn't that waterproof.

[@milobookout267]

Thanks for Reviewing a B. I'm restoring a rust bucket (No rust now!) and it was a hoot to drive before the tear-down began. Great little cars!

[@mantalex4969]

Hey @ThatDudeinBlue , great review about the MGB. It really does have character. There is a family run company called Mantell Motorsport who specialize in putting Ford 302 V8 engines and Chevy LS V8 engines into these MGs. Having driven it. It is like driving a Shelby Cobra. Except cheaper and less metal to protect you. If you ever wanted to know what driving a 5.0L motorcycle was like, it's kinda like that.

[@mantalex4969]

www.mantellmotorsport.com