Moss Motors' 1973 MG B - Jay Leno's Garage

[@geraldbly4903]

Glad to see Jay showing a car that the average guy can afford. Love British cars! Driving my 1980 MGB never fails to put a smile on my face!

[@johndrake2729]

He drove a Beetle on the show once, I think. And a vintage VW van.

[@noth606]

@@johndrake2729 the beetle was a very early one and the VW van was the super desirable 11 window or whatever the number of windows on it is, I forget. So not exactly economical either of them, but I guess if you can spring for 50-60k then sure. I'd never spend that much on a car ever, no matter what it is but then again I'm not allowed to drive due to heart issues and medications and an ICD. So I just watch car videos instead :D.

[@bighands69]

@@johndrake2729 The Beetle cars were not that nice to drive. The were really just an everyday simple car for a poor european.

[@sandragregg9079]

I have same year. Awesome car.

[@splodge57]

The MGB was a great car to drive, always put a smile on my face in the 70's. The Mazda MX5 does the same today.

[@my68mgb]

Thank you Jay for giving the humble MGB a spot in the limelight, and thanks to Moss Motors for helping me keep my ‘68 MGB on the road!

[@rustybearden1800]

Growing up as a teenager in the 70s, my bestest friend at the time, his mother had a 1973 MGB exactly like this one (save it was a deep purple with the stock factory stamped steel wheels and a half over mild racing cam) I learned to drive a stick shift in that car and fell in love with the whole open air, drop top, two seater British roadster experience and led me to purchase a brand new TR8 right off the showroom floor with 10 miles on it. Drove the heck out of that car (and other roadsters) and enjoyed every minute of it. 45 years later, I still get a nostalgic pang of envy whenever I see anything convertible with two seats, especially old classic Brit roadsters like this. It's not about going fast and beating the car next to you - it's the smell of the wind in your face in all four seasons, the cozy intimate cockpit, choosing the right gear, feeling the chassis load up correctly going into a curve and the sheer exhilaration of just blasting along a beautiful winding road with your favorite person by your side and wonderful music playing on the stereo. God I miss doing that - thank you for a fantastic trip down memory lane!

[@timothymulholland7905]

I used to clean Moss Motors’ original office in Goleta in 67-8. In the 90’s, I ordered many Miata parts and accessories from them. I’m glad they are still going strong.

[@gryfandjane]

Loved this one. Moss Motors has been instrumental in keeping my MG Midget alive for the last 26 years, so hats off to them. A properly set up MG is a joy to drive.

[@JamesSterling]

The MGB is one of those cars that still looks contemporary in its styling. Classic simple lines that have aged well. Still a great looking car.

[@Colin623]

It has aged better than most, a true classic design from 1962, that will still be adored fifty years from now.

[@mbrant4973]

I was out driving my '77 today. Still amazes me how many people pull up beside me, honk and give me a thumbs up. Keeps that smile on my face!

[@curbozerboomer1773]

And that is what always bugged me about the MGB...it was definitely "style over substance"...A good buddy of mine owned a 68 model, back in the early 70s...I was not impressed with the acceleration, handling,and even the anemic sound of the muffler!..My 59 Austin-Healey was far superior to the B...I wish Jay could find a true, classic AH, from the mid 60s, to show all of us what a more solid British sports car looked like, back in the day....I have not seen a Healey on the road, in at least 10 years.

[@JamesSterling]

@@curbozerboomer1773 He owns an original bug eye Sprite. And he has featured a 1959 Healey 100-6 on his show. Search his channel and you will find the videos.

[@inkyhendershot781]

While I never owned the MG B model I did have two brand new Midgets,. I loved the way they handled especially on corners. I didn't need speed. I was more interested in cruising country roads where the rack and pinion steering came in handy for me.

[@AyeCarumba221]

“The car is the sound system”. What a beautiful sentiment. My high school chum had a ‘64 and it did have a nice and distinctive note.

[@gfurstnsu]

I’ve owned my 1973 MGB for 30 years now and really love it. It is fun to drive and always gets allot of attention. What is amazing is that parts for it are relatively cheap. I have many Moss Parts on it as I have upgraded the electronics with relays, electronic ignition and I put on a electric fan. Otherwise it is original in all aspects. I have gone through all parts of the car and it is a great driver. When we moved to South Korea in 2003, we had the car shipped with our household goods. It cost $300 customs fee to bring it in. I must pass all the strict emission rules so I had to put on the air pump with air injection but it passes without a catalyst. I was proud of it being voted as one of the 100 great cars of the 20th century. It continues to be a car that is low maintenance and allot of fun to drive. My car is also the same color as this one, Teal Blue, my favorite color. It is the only MGB in South Korea. Some day I will sell it as I am one year from my 80s but I would really miss it when I do!

[@theboyisnotright6312]

Buddy of mine had one when I was in my 20s in the 90s. So fun to drive. 😊. I'd love to have one.

[@electrathewonderdog]

Dont sell it. Keep it go and have your morning coffee with it. Maybe find someone younger interested in helping you maintain it and pass the knowledge on.

[@xinuganda221]

My Friend, I just bought an old 1977 Roadster and found your comments really helpful. I'm really looking forward to learning how to care for it and eventually enjoy it as you do. You have such a great attitude about it and I'm sure about life as well. My Biggest Cheers to you sir, and I wish you the very best of health and happiness.

[@kenhoward3512]

This particular MG B is one of those special cars that, the more time you spend circling around it, noticing (and being informed of) all the detail improvements, the more amazing you realize it is.

[@jimmyjoejeeter2366]

When I was test driving cars in 1974, I tried out 1970 Datsun 240, 914 Porsche, and a 1972 MGB, I went with the MGB cause it was a convertible, with wire wheels and I liked the way it sounded with the top down, the 914 Porsche felt like driving a go-cart. There is a lot of leg room in the MGB. I would like to own all three cars today. They just had style back in the day. Most all the new 911 Porsche look the same.

[@philbrick5]

I love my 73, I’ve thought about getting a bmw z3 or boxster but won’t give up the B

[@sandragregg9079]

My first car at 17 was a 1979 mgb. Favorite car . Long story short moved to Florida and had it shipped. No air-conditioning constantly over heated. Had to sell broke my heart. For my 37 birthday my husband restored one just like it worked on it for 1 year with a guy from mgb factory who restores British cars as a business. Didn't see it till finished. When my husband presented my car I cried I wS so attached to my mgb. We have won 7 trophies at various car shows. It's the same color as shown. Mgb is a great car so fun to drive. Took it to North Carolina by trailer . That car loves cold weather. Now it's in our garage only driven in fall spring.

[@rdam50]

I love my 1973 MGB, got it from new when I was a 21 year old student, still drive it every day, summer and winter, rain or sunshine. It's an umcomplicated car, easy to work on, and thanks to Moss and other parts suppliers the maintenance costs ar very reasonable! Thanks for the great video!

[@mikegalvin9801]

Didn't have one but the MG was a car students could afford back then. I remember riding in my buddy's MGB from Boulder to Chicago. 6'0" but fit in it just fine (of course probably weighed 140 or so back then).

[@peterbonnez]

In the Summer of Love in 1969 I drove from New YorK to Seattle in my '65. What an adventure. Thanks for reviving the memory.

[@djgrumpygeezer1194]

Summer of ‘67. I’m 17, visiting my sister on Long Island. Drive her to work in her MGB. Drop her off in Brentwood and cruise out to Montauk. Best time ever!

[@vincentbasso4903]

And back in '67 you could make the trip in 90 minutes

[@JohnVander70]

Sounds like a perfect afternoon.

[@LaurenMiddleton28]

Best name ever! DJ Grumpy Geezer!

[@SerPurple51]

Back when NY wasn't a complete fascist state...

[@stereolababy]

@@SerPurple51 don't be a doosh all your life

[@FischerRestoration]

I remember Moss Motors in Goleta CA next door to High Time Liquor back in 1979 just a few blocks from where we lived. Good times! Good memories!

[@TeddyRumble]

Goleta is right near my school,UCSB.

[@charlesdalton985]

Almost anyone else would have made this seem like a merchandizing deal. With Jay, it’s just your knowledgeable friend passing along some lessons learned. Great car!

[@gustavoflorio5383]

This was a great chat indeed!

[@ADPTraining]

Another great video from Jay Leno’s Garage. I once had a Triumph TR 7. One day I was rear ended and it bent in half at the chassis. The next day I joined the Navy. Stuff like that from memory makes this channel JLG so much fun to watch.

[@hoodagooboy5981]

Not sure why loosing a TR7 ( not a bad thing ) would cause someone to join the Navy.... but, OK.

[@chucku00]

Haha! I had exactly the same misfortune with a Peugeot 104 and the Renault 4 that rear ended me was transformed into a Renault 2...

[@spiritusmalingus343]

No registration, or no insurance? Had to beat feet outah town.

[@johnrothgeb5782]

I hit pea gravel on a twisty turny and rolled my 1967 MGB. The $75 roll bar was the best money on safety that I ever spent! Walked away, but I miss that old MG.

[@JackAgainski]

I had one in British racing green. Always has to put oil in the Stromberg's and the clutch slave cylinder always leaked brake fluid. I re-built it more than once. Loved driving it though. Took it out West and ran it over 100 MPH for quite a stretch.

[@tedecker3792]

Anyone with a B who lives in a cooler climate needs the full tonneau cover. You can zip open just the drivers side. Top down, windows up, heater on, you could almost drive through a blizzard and be comfy. Like a turtleneck sweater for your car!

[@petermcdonald1744]

Even in HOT, sunny L.A. that full tonneau can keep the interior cool, or at least cooler!

[@rangerlongshot]

My first car was a 1957 MGA. On rainy winter days I would unzip half the tonneau and grab my Beltstaff jacket (mostly used for winter dirt bike riding) a helmet, goggles and gloves and bomb around the back roads of Northern California. As long as I kept moving it was warm and dry.

[@Kawiturbo750]

Ah British optimism. I remember reading that the British Isles have some of the fewest sunny days in Europe but they sell the most convertables per capita of any country.

[@seadog2396]

Correction: Anyone with a B needs an Eskimo suit, fur lined. The Brits think a heater is an unnecessary luxury. Fact. You would be better off wiring up a toaster than the heater in a B. Spoken/testified from firsthand experience.

[@oldenweery7510]

*Ted Ecker* Too right, as the Brits sometimes said. I lived in Wisconsin and used this method on both my Healeys, the MGA Mk II, and the MGB. As one of my fellow British sports car driver friends said, "Normally, the heaters in those beasts do little more than keep the passenger's left ankle warm---the driver's in Old Blighty. They figure that's enough."

[@scheirer]

Hey, I bought my '72 B five years ago. The other day, I just passed 25,000 miles of driving it. Circumference of the Earth! It just keeps going. It'll outlive me I'm sure.

[@markcook3570]

As a TR-250 owner I can enjoy an episode such as this. Regular cars people can own. Cars such as these a sooo much fun to drive. My 250 never get's old, its like a time machine you drive around. Feeds your soul and makes all the right noises....Thanks JAY...

[@dgriffin6074]

Thank you, Mr. Leno. You are a credit to the collector classic hobby. I own a 1972 MGB roadster with the same wheels. It is quite reliable, but I must say one feels someone insecure in a 2000 pound vehicle with 5000 pound SUV's tailgating as the driver insists on staring at his/her cell phone screen. I have considered doing a complete rewire, but that is A LOT of work.. I purchased a '77 brand new "B" for my wife many years ago; what a piece of junk! Little power and it had lots of electrical gremlins; the factory rep in Jacksonville, FL stated that the '77 could not handle the required demands of the U.S. It loved to overheat and when we turned on the AC the car slowed noticeably! I used to see it by the road on a regular basis with the bonnet up on my way home...usually an electrical problem. If you buy an old British car your other vehicle should be a tow truck.

[@jimmyjoejeeter2366]

I will own another one as soon as I win the lottery so I can have a few spares cars, incase one won't start!

[@TeddyRumble]

My old girlfriend bought an MGB in 1975 (?). She said it broke down every time she took it out of town.

[@nicksanchez9142]

I wish jay put the cars up on the lift more often, that's one of my favorite parts. I especially wanted to see the aftermarket panhard bar

[@RandomGuyDan]

The Moss guy said it was experimental, so he probably wouldn't have wanted it shown yet.

[@poppyneese1811]

I so loved these MGB’s, never ever got to ride or drive one, but the local Dodge dealer had one sitting in back, I was a dish washer at Shoneys and walking home after midnight I’d sneak into the MGB and imagine that it was mine, then one night walking home it was gone, it broke my heart😢, that is truly one of the most beautiful cars ever built to my eyes!

[@Mr.B_Garage]

I'm learning to restore my first car by myself and it is a 73 mgb. I grew up watching my grandfather restore cars my entire childhood. Found out he owned the mgb back in 2018 after his passing because it was stored at someone else's home. Moss Motors is a life saver with fixing all the rust and other bits I am needing.

[@motomuso]

You're a lucky guy Brandon to have a car your own grandfather drove. Besides the car, I would bet you have inherited his mechanic's skills as well. Good luck with the resto.

[@tkreitler]

Thank you Jay for doing a MGB. This is one of my favorite cars. I enjoyed the heck out of the '68 I used to have and enjoy my current '67 even more. A Hyundai Sonata can blow me away from a stop light, but they aren't having fun and I am.

[@Sleepdroidstudios]

My first car in high school was a '75 MGB. I loved that little thing.

[@KoshN]

They had a great sound to them too.

[@jeffzekas]

Except for the ugly black rubber bumper

[@KoshN]

@@jeffzekas True, but getting a dark colored car helps to minimize the appearance of the obvious, ugly, big black bumper.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

my first cart in high school was a BMX bicycle!

[@davidolson558]

My first can was a 1992 Pontiac grand am Lol

[@laszlodemeny4485]

Jay Leno should continue to feature more classic cars on his weekly youtube channel! This is his passion.

[@Britishshooter]

Fun fact, the Thames Valley Police in England used the MGB roadster as a 'fast pursuit' vehicle (LOL) and they were only issued with a tarp (rather than a fold away hood) which could be zipped up on the passenger side if only one officer was in the car, and they were required to wear a flat Police cap and drive it like that rain or shine to show 'presence' . Believe it or not, a few chosen officers who scored exceptionally high marks in the 'high speed pursuit' driving course at Hendon Police academy, were issued with the Lotus Elan instead and the same tarp only rule applied. Both vehicles were finished in Police livery. To put this into perspective, their pursuit bike was a Norton Commando. Happy times !

[@johngdoty]

My MG Midget had one of those. They called it a tonneau cover.

[@charlmatteson7726]

Well that brings back memories. After coming back from Vietnam I bought a 1968 MG midget.It was just a fun driving car.

[@n3307v]

When I was a teen, two cars that always caught my eye were the Triumph Spitfire and the MGB. Thanks for making this Jay. It brought a smile to my face.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Both broke down a lot, but fun to drive.

[@n3307v]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 So true.

[@petermcdonald1744]

"The car IS the sound system!" 😉

[@peterclapson6785]

The old ones had a sound of their own. I used to hold my 63 in third gear driving thro the built up areas in UK and just love the sound

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Yes it is. 😆

[@dondesormeauxrcadventures7551]

My Triumph Spitfire is by far the loudest car I ever had. Angry little 4 cylinder

[@motley331]

I had a new exhaust system installed in mine (had an MG when I was 23-28 years old). I used to drive around with the stereo off listening to the exhaust. It sounded so good.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Yes!..this remark is the very essence of what a sports car offers!

[@mikewysko2268]

All the modifications improve the performance and appearance without tainting the original MGB character. Well done!🇬🇧🇺🇸🏁

[@ItsTheNada]

I’m embarking on an MGB restoration in September. It was my first car and I bought it with my father. Life happens and I really needs to see it run again. I’m excited. I know I’m gonna spend more than I should, but it’s just gotta be done. Been garage stored since the late 90s

[@stuffhappens5681]

Nice that Moss Motors is still around and going strong. I wish them many more decades of success.

[@JohnSmith-fs1cg]

I owned two MGBs, my first one was a 1967, which I bought for $1000.00 in 1970, my first car. I drove it for approximately a year and traded it for a new 1971 teal blue with oak leaf interior for $3600.00. It was awesome, I bought it in Syracuse, NY and drove this one for three years while I going to college. I drove these MGs in Northern NY summer and winter with no problems what so ever. I just wish I still had my 1971, it was awesome! Thank you for showing this vehicle, it looked exactly like mine except for the black interior. Thank you for the memories!

[@stewartw.9151]

I bought a 1962 MGB in 1964 but soon traded that in for a 1965 "B". The '62 knocked out the big ends as it only had the 3-bearing crankshaft which was a known weakness - not to me of course! The later one had 5 main bearings and was reliable. I drove that to Spain from England and all around England on long trips, and found it perfectly reliable and it gave me little trouble. I modified the engine with a hotter camshaft and larger SU twin carburettors and it went pretty well with that. Also fitted an Abarth exhaust complete system which sounded great, supposedly helped the power output a bit without being too raucous.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Another MGB myth.

[@stewartw.9151]

@@jeffhildreth9244 Myth?

[@craigpennington1251]

I've had 4 over the years and they're great. 1 (68) 1 (72) 2 (79s). Put over 100,000 miles on each of them in a few short years 1975 to 1980. All of the cars performed flawlessly and maint cost weren't bad at all. They just didn't break. Drove them year round snow and all. Never got stuck either.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

You are one of the few MGB owners that understood maintenance was key to longevity. Good show !

[@MrBluoct]

The mg reliability jokes get old. Drive one for 30-40 -80 thousand miles as many have They’re fine as per what they were, when built varied tech etc

[@kirkwagner461]

I had a B in college. Always love seeing one on the road, particularly with chrome bumpers.

[@artblauvelt7140]

I owned two MGBs, a 67 and a 74 1/2. Loved both of them. Had hooker headers in the 74+, also 3/4 race cam. Painted the 74+ Saab Sunrise Orange, when we had our second child the B had to go in storage, where mice ate all the wiring, eventually sold. The 67 was stolen and stripped years earlier. Also had a 1953 MGTD and a 67 Sunbeam Alpine. Thanks Jay, brought back memories. Now I have a Mini Cooper s convertible, I tell people it is an MG where everything works all the time. My wife has a Dakar Yellow 2000 BMW Z3, fast and fun.

[@IPGreenhouse]

This was a 100% great video. The 20 dislikes are the margin of error from people who mistakenly hit the wrong button. Love you Jay

[@bluebird8004]

These sort of comments never age well

[@iamtherealzombie]

Or, you know, some people have different likes and dislikes... but go on thinking nobody could disagree intentionally.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

hahahah so true

[@IPGreenhouse]

@@BadBlonde-CarHistory you know im a dreamer but my hearts a ghost. i had to run away high so i wouldn't come home low...

[@DonTruman]

I doubt there is a video on KZbin, among billions, that doesn't have any downvotes. Could be a video of kittens purring or someone saying "hi" and it would be downvoted.

[@jimmac1953]

1973 MGB was 1st car I owned. Bought one new in February 1974 when I was 19. Was working my 1st real job with Digital Equipment Corp and as soon as I saved up $500 to put down I ordered my BRG car from the dealer in Fitchburg MA. Took 6 weeks to get it shipped over the UK. Had it for 10 year and sure do wish I still had. Loved that car!

[@RandallChase1]

I’ve got a 1973 MGB. I’m restoring the engine (again) can’t wait to get it back on the road!

[@peterclapson6785]

Being British I love the comments about our lovely MGB. Had a rust ridden 63 over 40 years ago that had to go because of kids ! Now relised

[@amfitness5598]

"Jay: Hey it started, you're already ahead of the game" . My old HS art teacher was into restoring MG's and he would drive them to school, often they would break down.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

hahahah

[@johnhenke6475]

The best way to fix Lucas electrics is to rip it out and custom wire it.

[@marcryvon]

@@johnhenke6475 Heck, Peter Egan, of R&T fame, and Brit sports cars maniac, completely restored a Lotus Elan, to the extreme, every nuts and bolts, screws, wiring, rebuilt everything to make sure it was bullet proof. On it's maiden voyage to visit some friends, he and wife Barb, arrived soaking wet from heavy rain, no more wipers, no more lights and a puff of electrical smoke from the dash. Hopeless Lucas. He sold it as is.

[@51WCDodge]

@@johnhenke6475Then what else would a British man have to do on a Sunday?

[@BuzzLOLOL]

That was actually a slow start... when new they have electric fuel pumps and start as soon as a piston comes up... even at 20 below zero... and I never had starter problems other than usual wearing out...

[@riderxl]

I had a 1970 OD GT and just loved the way it handled. Back in the day I was a musician at night a British car mechanic during the day and going to school when I could. One night (probably around 3 am) I was driving my MG home from a gig (about 35miles) when I got pulled over by a state trooper. I thought to my self ("great the last thing I need is a ticket I can't afford"). As the trooper approached my window and saw me trying to fish out my papers he waved me off. I rolled down my window and he said to me "I'm not going to give you a ticket. I've been trying to catch you for the last 30 minutes..., I just want to see what you have under your hood". When I revealed the little 1800 4 Banger he took off his hat and started to laugh. I heard say to himself as he went back to his cruiser, " I have to get me one of these" True story! I now have a 72 and am loving it with Moss Motor's help .

[@paulfoster4686]

Thanks again Jay, I was back with my dear old dad in the 1970’s changing the plugs and points on one of these beauties.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

sings ''Times of Your Life'' by Paul Anka....

[@edcapeling8998]

Hey Jay, big fan. I’m 19 and my first (only) car is my 1969 Triumph Spitfire Mk3 I picked up and restored 2 years ago with my dad to drive to high school. All of the stuff you’ve said about british roadsters couldn’t be any more true and that’s why I love it. Now it’s restored and I daily drive it for college and put nearly 600 miles on it per week. Keep up the great content Jay

[@DWS1435]

I bought many Moss products for my Jags, Mg's and Miata's. Nice products great company to do business with.

[@MGB-learning]

I am a MGB Hoarder. LOL... I have a 68, 71, 79, 80 and a Pair of Black Limited Editions 79 & 80. All are fully restored except for the two 1980s. Those will be this years 21/22 winter projects. Its great to see Jay do a MGB video.

[@patrickmcdaniel2845]

I grew up in the “back seat” of one of these guys. My dad (RIP) loved that car! He dreamed of dropping a V8 into the thing. But life did not allow him to fulfill this dream.

[@yakacm]

Oh that's sad, they did make a factory V8 version thou.

[@markm0000]

My condolences. You can definitely restore one of these with a V8 in memory of your dad. They’re really easy to work on.

[@fluffybriggs]

My mum has had an MGB for over 40 years and it is her daily driver. She loves it (most of the time) :)

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Another beautiful restoration mod. I will always remember how mad my science teacher 🧑‍🏫 would get when we asked him about it. He loved His MG. (:

[@bryandickerson5365]

So cool when Jay supports the folks that support the folks! I’m not really a British car guy but I’ve always had a soft spot for MGBs (and Triumphs and Sprites) and Moss motors.

[@nickolasabab5999]

I literally looked this up last week to see if you did a video on this car. Now here we are lol

[@vidmooreda]

I was born in the same year and about an hour away from the factory of mine. We were literally born together. It's a joy to see us both in the USA now. I plan on using Moss. Great video.

[@RandallChase1]

I love MOSS! They keep my MGB alive!!

[@tjm3900]

Unfortunately, at least on their Triumph products, their quality control is not good. Many reproduction parts are very poor or even usable. This has been most noticeable since their acquisition of Victoria British 😢

[@davidmarshall5810]

My first car was a whipped out 1969 TR6 that I bought in 1972 as a HS senior. My introduction into car repair and parts were very difficult to get back then. 45 years later I bought another TR6 and Moss has cash more than a few checks of mine getting it “sorted out”. Just rescued and having a great time recommissioning a 1980 Spitfire with my eldest grandson Ryan. COVID 19 has had really had a bad impact on our young people, this project is helping

[@davidmarshall5810]

Thanks Jay and Moss Motors

[@nealsteik9408]

My sister bought a '73 MGB brand new back in '73 for $3,001, but it was a stick (which she didn't know how to drive at the time), so I got to drive it home for her and frequently borrowed it. Great car!!!

[@stevedolesch9241]

I don't know about you Jay and others, but cars used to look like cars and not "boxes on wheels". Now days they lack originality. That's what I like about your show. Keep on, Jay. Thank you.

[@avp217]

"The Lucas three-position switch: dim, flicker, and off." LOL!

[@kenxiong6830]

That was epic. Oh the brits lol

[@scottbenke7182]

Lucas, the Prince of Darkness

[@Kawiturbo750]

Way back I had a 6 year old '61 Austin Healy 3000 MkI that always leaked in a hard rain and one day the Lucas battery disconnect switch, in the trunk (boot), caught fire inches away from the gas tank. It was a beautiful car.

[@gregraines1599]

Why do the British drink warm beer? Because the refrigerators have Lucas wiring.

[@BadBlonde-CarHistory]

hahahah

[@cdstoc]

It sounds fantastic. I grew up on military bases in the 60's and 70's and British sports cars were everywhere. My dad used to tune them up for people and I loved the test drives afterwards. Thanks for sharing this.

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

Jay, fun video. I owned an MG Midget in college & it put a smile on my face everytime I drove it. I had heard about the electrics problem so I sprayed the electric system once per year with silicone to waterproof it & it always ran fine.

[@watchmanonthewall14]

I had two of them. Brings back lots of memories. A tuned up B with the top down on a country road allows one to feel the road and the entire experience.

[@ronlynch7744]

Yeah, a well sorted MGB. Moss Motors helped me out back in the day when I had my 1974 TR6. Good one Jay, thanks. 😎👍🇨🇦

[@jeffharrison5265]

My Sprite in highschool, my TR7 in college and my current Jaguar XJ6 were and are kept running thanks to Moss Motors. Love the company. I also bought parts for my Miata from them the 26 years I owned that. Thank you Moss!!

[@vwsandvettes3253]

My dad bought my sister a '77 MG Midget in '83. He put a new top on it and then sadly, discovered it had a cracked block. Great lookin' little car and I wish I'd have asked him to hold onto it for me. I was like, 14 at the time I believe.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Those engines and trannys only last 25K miles...

[@stevegustavus3312]

My first job out of high school (summer of '69) was detailing cars at Newport Imports on Coast Hwy in Newport Beach. My first car - a brand new '69 MGB roadster. My parents bought an MGB-GT. Thanks Jay for bringing back some great memories.

[@truevip100]

Jay: "You know, I've got..." proceeds to mention ever car manufacturer known to man :) Jay is the man!

[@crs12055]

Brought back memories for me. I learned to drive a stick in a 1974 1/2 MGB owned by my dad. The 74 1/2 had the 74 engine with the dual carbs, ran on leaded gas, but had the new molded black bumpers. Dad put a glass pack muffler to improve the sound. Since he also had a company car, I drove this car to high school as my daily driver. Lots of fun!

[@derekhart9898]

perfect for driving down the North Yorkshire Moors to Whitby, Heaven

[@petermcdonald1744]

My cousins Madeline and Craig use to live in the "Pilgrim House" in Whitby!

[@garyhaber333]

I owned an MG GT a few months before graduating HS. I drove it for another yr during college before it got to expensive to keep fixing. Bought it for $1200. I absolutely loved that car! It had ALOT of electrical problems, and no passenger seat... Loved the lines of the hatchback. Such a beautiful car.

[@crusherbmx]

Weird seeing Jay driving a car that is so common, I still see a lot of these on the road.

[@bighands69]

It depends on where you live.

[@samiam619]

I bet that this is a 3 Season car. I imagine it to be like a Air Hockey puck during even “mild” winter driving. Like here in northern Lower Michigan.

[@jimmyjoejeeter2366]

This video make me miss my 1972 MGB, it had wire wheels with Over drive. Mine never had a radio in it either! It was harvest gold, it gave it a classy look, wasn't crazy about the color at first, but it grew on me, and after I drove to L.A. in 1977 and went to Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, when I was getting out of my car and young couple was getting out of a nice Black Jaguar XK-E sport car, the hot looking blonde girl said I like your car. I was surprised she said that if front of her boyfriend, told them I liked their Jag! I hope to own one or two of them someday again. They really are a sexy unpretentious car with wire wheels and the right paint color.

[@gerarddion4859]

Hi Jay. What a great job Moss Motors in updating this classic MGB! I can see why you featured them. Thanks for making and posting this video!

[@peterhodgkins6985]

I worked in a foreign car repair shop in the mid 70s in Southern California, and was lucky enough (or drew the short straw in some cases) to work on Triumphs, MGB, the MGBGT, and (short straw time) the MG Midget just to name a few! Great fun in those days, as much as the things were a bit problematic to repair... We never saw anything as nice as the Moss Motors MGB!

[@LennyJohnson5]

Such an underestimated car - pretty from every angle, simple and a pleasure to drive. Because it was so common people tend to ignore it. The rubber bumper models were an aberration made necessary by American legislation. Without those rubbers it was beautifully proportioned.

[@Kawiturbo750]

After being sold here for a few years, I remember automotive articles stating that the MGB had the worse service record of any car imported into the US.

[@timhancock6626]

The "good" was that it was a stiff good looking shell and used humble " off the peg " components to keep it simple. The bad is that the components were not that good and BMC were so cash strapped there was no money for R&D or quality control of any substance. Even so about 500,000 people bought an MGB and it can still be a nice enough tourer, though it's stretching things to call it a sports car. The oldest ones will soon be 60 years old and it is a measure of the fondness that people feel for this car that you can still get a good selection of spares as exemplified by Moss Motors and Rimmer Brothers in the UK as well as the owners club who source some items on a group basis. They are not a ridiculous price on the classic market either, but as ever "buyer beware" as you have to know what you are looking at. There are lots of rotten or bodged up MGBs that look OK ish simply as they are old cars, and in the UK salted winter roads soon destroy their sills and wings.

[@a34rwl]

Yes, neither gentleman cared to mention that it was American legislation that brought about the rubber bumper version.

[@harrycg95]

@@Kawiturbo750 I'd imagine the age old issue of imported cars at that time not having quite the same access to mechanics familiar with them, availablity/low cost parts, large enough aftermarket industry etc. etc. All just leads to jobs being put off, bodged or just owners being unaware of service schedules without the local and large presence of the manufacturer.

[@williamwoods8022]

@@harrycg95 Correct plus these cars were known for their reliability in the UK and elsewhere as well as long as they were looked after the way they were meant to be and people didn't use cheap parts in them and then when they failed they would then blame the car manufacturer or Lucas etc.

[@1622yamaha]

How cool, my step dad built one in the early 80's. Hi comp, bored out, hot cam. Super fun car, got to put several thousand miles on it. What a treat

[@bill8784]

Living in London in the mid 80s my first car was a rubber bumpered pale blue MGBGT. Sounded great. Cost me £3k and I spent another £3k in repairs in first year of ownership. Would have liked an MGB but soft top was a bit of risk. Would have been nice to have now.

[@stevewilson9792]

Bill, I am 6' tall, 230lbs. Do you think I could fit in an MGBGT? I have had an interest in them for 50 yrs.

[@bill8784]

@@stevewilson9792 I am shorter than you, however my brother in law is approximately 6 feet tall and had an MGBGT before me in the early 1970 and his height never seemed a problem. I reckon he weighed 175 pounds.

[@SmithClassicCars]

Nice! Reminds me of my uncle Bob. He loved his MG and drove it everywhere as a daily in retirement. This is a great example.

[@connerwright665]

That’s the most beautiful MGB that I have ever seen.

[@Colin623]

Great colour....suits it so well.

[@poolboy3312]

@@Colin623 I have a teal blue '71 but my 4.6L rover engine makes it sweet!

[@Colin623]

@@poolboy3312 Wow, bet it's a real goer 👍

[@TinManMat]

1986 I had a 1972 MG Midget. We partied in the woods. I ran that car over a pond, floated all the way to the other side about a hundred feet. Heavy metal, I swear that car was magic.

[@g0fvt]

I still see a lot of them here in a rural part of the UK, a few of them in this tiny village. Never wanted a B nor the V8 but I would love an MGC despite the reputation. The C series engine was a heavy beast but can make good power and sounds good too. I think if I was repairing a basket case I'd use the Mazda gearbox but still attached to the Mazda engine...

[@theonlyrobot]

Have you seen these? frontlinedevelopments.com/vehicle/mg-abingdon-edition/ The performance they get from the car with a Mazda drivetrain and modern suspension is very impressive.

[@g0fvt]

@@theonlyrobot certainly a lot of power, many years ago we got an MGB engine and an MGA gearbox and put them in one of the Wolseleys. So I have been guilty of handling a B-series engine.... seemed a waste not to use them as the MGB was getting a V8. If they were rare cars it would not be so attractive proposition to modify one, but there are lots of them in poor condition for sale in the UK. Many of them pretending to be in concours condition but basket cases too...a GT with a 2JZ would be a beast....

[@theonlyrobot]

@@g0fvt Dear god... I hope you mean naturally aspirated. The 2JZ is capable of maddening amounts of power! We're much the same in the US MGB market. Lots of very cheap dilapidated examples that are begging to be brought back to life, even as a chimera.

[@g0fvt]

@@theonlyrobot a naturally aspirated one would be plenty for the MG, and narrower...

[@bighands69]

As they are a lightweight sports car a 4 cylinder can be a perfect match.

[@johngdoty]

I had a 1963 MG Midget. Drilled a hole in the bottom with a rubber plug in it to let water drain out because the top and windows came out of the trunk and took a while to install. You bolted windows in aluminum frames on the door with two huge screws, and the windows were Plexiglas. The windshield washer was a manual pump on the dashboard. About 3 inches of ground clearance and a massive steering wheel. A very enjoyable car to drive.

[@DWS1435]

I had 2 Jags and 5 MGB's. Love them. You have to maintain them beside driving them if you wanted reliability.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

The voice of reason and reality.

[@garethgoodchild2643]

I’ve had my 1973 MGBGT since new. Still runs great and the Lucas wiring still intact and working well. Lucas electrics we’re not that bad but we’re usually butchered by owners installing after market electronics and didn’t have a clue what they were doing. Most problems on these cars were bad grounds as everything was grounded to the body rather than having a separate ground wire. Easy to fix. Big thanks to Moss for supplying the parts. Many parts are easier to get now than when the cars were new however not always as good quality!

[@kelvindodd5577]

Gareth, the LE with wiring issues had been butchered by the owner. I'm sure he had reasons for all the modifications, but the changes caused more problems than solved.

[@oliverrojas7117]

Mr. Leno, thanks for taking time to review and road test this Moss Motors resto-modified 1973 MG B.

[@charlestidwell4970]

I bought almost all o the rebuild parts for my MGA from Moss Motors. They have been around forever. My work was 45 years ago. I'm glad they are still in the game.

[@PixelFlickr]

This is my dream car right here, I'll have one someday

[@brothedude8759]

You’ll get it! Just keep saving, just got my 69 Austin Healey Sprite a few weeks ago

[@memyselfandi7885]

I have almost this exact same car. Mine's a '72, teal color (like the one in the video). I added the Moss Motors supercharger/alternator package two years ago. Mine came with the factory aluminum hood and factory electronic overdrive (which put a tall gear on 3rd and 4th, although the usual upshift when driving is from 3rd to 4th and then overdrive). So, no need for me to install a 5 speed. The Moss supercharger is like night and day on these, especially here in Colorado's altitude. It truly now is "lusty." With overdrive and the added supercharger HP, I can cruise all day at 75 and it purrs like a kitten. Plus the MG logo stamped into the blower makes it all look like it belongs. A wonderful car to take canyon cruising.

[@rick7576]

Love this episode Jay. I've had many MGB's and they all are the most fun to drive no matter what engine or transmission is in it. Perfect country road car.

[@bbishoppcm]

Great video! As the owner of a ‘94 Miata, Moss has been an absolute GODSEND!

[@alansmith4734]

MGB GT was my favorite!

[@johnpearson492]

I have a 62 AH Sprite. It's a brilliant car and way more reliable than everyone makes them out to be. Once the SU carbs are setup right and the ignition tuned in, it runs just great! It brings smiles to everyone that sees it.

[@markko17]

British car/motorcycle joke: "Why don't the British make TVs or computers?" "They can't figure out how to make them leak oil."

[@PaulZink]

LOL, good one (and new to me, too). '70 MGB owner

[@revidual]

I thought it was because we were busy inventing the jet engine and the Internet?

[@Hipas_Account]

There is also the whole "if it doesn't leak, it must be empty" joke, which troubles me cause i have a 74 Sunbeam Avenger which doesn't leak oil pretty much at all, minor sweating but that's about it.

[@BobMonkeypimp]

@@revidual Stiff upper lip old bean.

[@matthewchannel9981]

But the British invented the television??

[@deanmiles3505]

Hi Jay, That brings back memories...here is a good one. My brother in law brought me and my grandfather to a Red Sox game when I was around 10 yo. now 59yo. I road up on the trunk holding on to the luggage rack feet behind the seats; we lived in N.H. I remember being told to watch out for cops, to cram behind the seats if they saw us LMAO. I later drove my friends 65 mg in the 80's and fell in love with the mg. Great little car; it had to have the three wipers though. Thank you for sharing your dream retirement job with us. Take care, Be safe.

[@johndavey72]

Hi Jay. Of all the cars l can imagine you driving this really wasn't on my imaginary list ! And why not ! Thanks Jay.

[@redarrowsmk3]

I currently drive a '70 Triumph Spitfire, MG's competing sports car company, as my first car! I'm 19 and love reviving her to glory :))) Thanks Jay, for sharing! I use Moss and Rimmerbros ALL THE TIME.

[@Idahoguy10157]

Lucas Electric have no “minor” electrical problems. Lucas: Princess of Darkness. Inventor of the Shortcircuit

[@Thesyndicate11111]

Their main product was pain.

[@markkeyser]

And they put insulation on the wires in order to keep the smoke in.

[@xmo552]

Short Circuit like Johnny 5 😁

[@lexstockton2451]

Joe Lucas says don’t go out at night, Joe also says don’t go far in the daytime.

[@Hibernicus1968]

Also inventor of the intermittent wiper. Lucas electrics: the original anti-theft system.

[@WilliamParmley]

Beautiful! I had a 1976 with the rubber baby buggy bumpers. The automatic choke was kind of fussy, and the electronic ignition module sat under the distributor and right against the engine block. I had the original module and a replacement that both suffered a premature heat death. By the time I got the third one they had redesigned it to bolt to the fender. Fortunately, BL extended the warranty on the electronic ignition due to all the failures and both were replaced at no cost to me. It was a fun car!

[@timhancock6626]

Just to balance things up. Most of the parts that failed on my Alfa Romeos seemed to have Bosch written on them. It's not just Lucas.

[@johnburns4017]

But not one US made electrical part ever, ever failed.

[@timhancock6626]

@@johnburns4017 Perish the thought 😁

[@zymmer4]

To clarify..I lived in Northern Colorado for 25 years..I owned 4 MGb vehicles at the same time during those 25 years. I drove a 1967 B-GT, a 1973 B- tourer, and a 1976 B- tourer..My wife drove a 1977 B-tourer..the fastest one of the lot. I took my 1976 roadster from Colorado to Florida, maine, Minnesota, California, Tennessee..you name it..I probably drove there in my B..My wife and I drove hers to California, Texas, New Mexico, West Virginia, and all points in the USA..I once took it on a fast lap of Laguna Seca roadrace track with luggage for two strapped onto the luggage rack on the trunk..I know and love the MG-B. To have such a man as the "front man" for MOSS is not right. We drove our B cars every day, summer and winter in Colorado..It was cold, the snow was 3 feet deep, it was 108 degrees in the summer..every day we would leave our home and head to work in Ft Collins in our B cars. MOSS needs a better "front man".