The ONLY Reliable Old British Car? Should You Buy a MGB? I Ask an Expert To Find Out!

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#MG #MGB

[@chromium86]

This guy is just cool. I love his humility and competence. The world needs more people like this.

[@newerafrican]

The dirty knees on his jeans tells a lot about his personality. Very cool.

[@upland1826]

It is so true! In 1971 I purchased a new B and for the next 9 years and 130K later It was my only car. Drove it everywhere from Canada to NYC. Never saw a dealership, no major engine or transmission work, 1 clutch. Stephen

[@preggo12000]

I've owned my chrome bumper 1974 for two years. I fixed the carbs and did some basic maintenance and it's been dead reliable since. Plus it gets more attention in the Hamptons then new Ferraris. Have put 3500 miles on it

[@redbarchetta8782]

And kids love them. Kid magnets is what I call them. I get chuckles at how the just stare when they see mine. :)

[@lancelacerte4970]

Ted is indeed the best! If it has a carburettor (Yes! correct British spelling) he'll fix it. In addition to any British marque you can think of, his vintage car expertise seems endless, including the fact that he is a Citroen expert and will also work on Maseratis. Some fun and quirky facts about his MGB just to show you what a character he is: This was originally a left hand drive car, but "just for fun" he converted it to right hand drive. Additionally when the camera is panning the front grill, you'll notice the Icelert on the left side. MG never offered an Icelert, but having had a Rover 3500S in the past, he decided to put one on the MG.

[@alexQw33]

One of the best videos out there for MGB enthusiasts … we need more content like this 👍

[@instantkarma1978]

I have owned a 71 MGBGT for about 20 years. Was my only car for a long time, drove it cross country 4 times. Cool video.

[@bldontmatter5319]

Cross country USA or UK? Huge difference

[@instantkarma1978]

@@bldontmatter5319 It made it from Texas to the Pacific and then all the way to the Atlantic on her longest journey. I did have to change ignition points in TN and swap the SU fuel pump for a $12 universal fuel pump.

[@rickwillard5763]

Ted is the best! We’re so lucky to have someone like him here in Denver, dedicated to our British hardware! GREAT video!!

[@oscartango2348]

I've owned several MGs and they all had small problems, but the engines were always solid, and they're pretty easy to work on.

[@peterclarke1535]

My MGB roadster is from 1969, owned since 1984,really good advice from Ted, to this day MGBs can surprise modern traffic, lot of torque in the b series, its right about tyres lasting. I used to fit stuff to the B, nearly all returned to standard except for led lights and a 321 disi. Oh and I think rubber bumpered MGBS look the the part with minilite wheels. Remember to grease the suspension.

[@aaronbehindbars]

I saw Ted and couldn't click fast enough! I hope we can get more of him on this channel. Truly an entertaining dude who brings a great personality.

[@nikitis13]

Great video men! Thanks Ted for all that light hearted yet insightful wealth of knowledge on the MGB's... I pick mine up this week, a red, 1964 roadster. Fell in love at first sight. Had a string of 5 in total MX5's and always wished I was driving a B instead, yet my brain kept overriding my heart. Not this time though 😄You should have taken us for a spin in Ted's car!! ☹

[@Rdflite]

The guy is great. I have owned a 1971 MGB since 1971. Had to overhaul the engine and do a clutch about 15 years ago. Ted is also correct about adding all the cool Moss Motor upgrades which I have done in the last five years. Makes me feel better but doesn't change the feel of the MGB. So the fuel injection, independent suspension and five speed transmission are great but it is still my MGB. I now have the original engine, transmission and SU in storage. Liked the presentation!

[@ericcriteser4001]

This guy is funny and knowledgeable. Good video. I have two MGBa; a '64 and a '77. I like them both, but the '77 is a much more comfortable car. Arm rests, more interior lights, a clock, a cigar lighter, softer seats a nicer hood. Both beautiful cars, though.

[@SigvaldsAmazon]

A year later but you’re comment made me feel better. I wanted a chrome bumper car but the only decent car I could find for my wife is her ‘77. I was lucky enough to find one with only a couple of tiny holes in the floor here in New England where salt eats cars.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Agree with Ted British car Enthusiasts used to be very picky on many small items , but over the years that has changed a lot on Late model Bs there are so many ways to “convert”them into older looking and performing cars fairly easily things like Chrome Bumper Conversions are affordable and fairly easy to do for a DIY guy ona 79 model i owned for over 14 years tagged and driving i did things like in op the Air Pump ,Catalytic Converter etc and left them in place to pass emissions inspection Checks ! yep it’s against the Law but Kudos to Moss motors. you can’t ignore what they are to the British Car guys in the United States as helpfull ,resourcefull , and offer great parts selections and options

[@jimmyers264]

I had a '72 in the early '80's. I took it to a Jaguar mechanic next door to the parts store and reluctantly asked if he'd install a part that I'd just bought. I expected some scoffing at me bringing an MG to a Jag shop but to my surprise, his eyes lit up and with an Aussie accent he said, Jaguars are my business but MG's are my toys. He told me that in Australia he knew people who had MG's with over 300,000 miles on the original engines. Then he gave me a half hour tour of my car and showed me all the lube spots that people miss and instructed me on how to generally maintain the car. A couple of years later I convinced myself for no reason that I needed 4 seats and sold the MG to my roommate's brother. What a mistake, regretted it almost immediately.

[@mgbsandotherstuff2982]

Excellent video. I think the appeal of MG's are that they are subdued in their styling and performance but as fun to drive as you want them to be and they always get a smile. Maintenance and cost wise they are accessible and parts are available and there is loads of information on them. Mine is 60 years old and with a few basic tools and you-tube I can fix most stuff.

[@NYCS19339]

MGB gear change is really nice. Hopefully you get to drive his. They are really good and easy cars to own and use. The Spitfire is the wrong comparison car. The Spitfire is better compared to the Sprite and MG Midget. I'd have to say that all the 1275 Cc Sprites and Midgets are loads of fun and simple to run and maintain like the MGB. Spitfire seems like it would be but I have to say that it just isn't as fun to live and deal with. The engine compartment and front suspension access is great though.

[@racketman2u]

The B is a stable, well-balanced car, but my problem is that having owned the Triumph sixes (TR6 and GT6) the fours seem so rough by comparison. I did a bit of prodsport racing in my stock TR6, and have to admit the stock MGBs cornered better than the TR!

[@kaptkane1]

2:55pm EST. 2-24-23. Ted seems to be “da man” when it comes to MG’s. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@chipperkeithmgb]

Bought my mg bgt in 1973 from the factory 1 pound 30 shillings delivery charge from Abingdon

[@OldThomMerton]

Love this guy! I remember when you took the hmmmm 500 to him. Excellent. - Ohhhhhh look at that C. I always wanted a 60's MGC when I was a kid. Wire-basket wheels are the only way to go. - The next British car video? Oy. Lotus Europa or Austin Healy 3000, please! ohhh, the guy is gonna rip me on those choices.

[@instantkarma1978]

I own a 71 MGBGT, which I think is the second prettiest old British sports car after the Austin Healey 3000.

[@31st_night_studios95]

Wish this video was longer!! Such a great interview! Thank you!

[@tedecker3792]

My uncle bought a 63 brand new when they first came out. It was the first sports car I ever drove. I saw it again in 1982, very low miles and still had the original tires. I went own to own 4 MGs and an E type.

[@stephenhenion8304]

This is refreshing!! I had Sprites back in the 80s! Don't stop doing what you do!!! Then I got a Mini Cooper S back in 2007..... best car I ever had!!!

[@paulhicks3595]

I drove MGAs and MGBs in the late 60s / early 70s. I even drove the slightly terrifying Austin Healy 100-6. They were all fun in their own way ( though the Healy’s under steer nearly killed me. However, if I was to get a sports car of that era I’d get the one that was so much better than all of them to drive , the Datsun 2000 sport, which was a revelation when I drove one back then.

[@Blue-moon12]

MGs had their issues but easy to work on and generally reliable

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

This guy is fun to listen to.

[@russellwilson2288]

The always knowledgeable and entertaining Ted Ax!

[@bobrose7900]

Brilliant and well done. Wish you lived down the road from me, you'd be fettling my cars all the time! One thing, for me, the wing mirrors should be on the doors - keeps that wing and bonnet line. I love the Minilite wheels over wires, but that's all part of the fun!

[@Queensizemusic]

My favorite car. My father bought an MGB in 1977, and I still have it but it’s rusted to pieces now.

[@johnwinter9722]

Great video! I am biased, however. I have known my pull handle '65 B since it was new and I was 12. I was already a "The Red Car" fan. I bought the B from my grandfather in 1977 and drove it back home to MN from CA. Have owned it since. Recently had some major refurbishment completed but the motor is still as it left Abingdon and now has over 120,000 miles on it. Runs very well.

[@simsalb]

Wow! My cousin in the UK had one of these back in the 80s. It spent most of its time being fixed.... but it was cool 😎

[@patrickirish8110]

Ted's always quite the character. I've never owned an MGB, but I'm old enough to have seen tons in my life and know people who have owned them. Rocker panel rust was definitely an issue, although I agree it always gave a warning, so to speak. Triumphs most definitely were not built as robustly and where I live they had a very hard time due to the climate. Anyway, this was a very enjoyable vid!

[@hendo337]

My entire life my Uncle(who just recently passed away) owned a 1964 MGB in BRG. I could probably go up there, spray some penetrant down the plug holes, turn it over by hand, put some gas down the SUs, hook up a battery and it would run. Down here in Tennessee I know where I could get 2 roadsters and a GT for scrap price and I would probably swap in a Rover or Buick V8 (or an LS4, a T-5 and either an 8.8 or 8.8 IRS from an MN12 or New Edge.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

AS to slapping in a lump of British Iron into an MGB.. I would suggest 74 1/2 and later.. and definitely not a 62-64 3 Main pull handle B.

[@barbaraannen3340]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. The guy expressed my thoughts on my MG affair better than l could. Thanks for posting. I'd like to see more of his car videos. I'm having a dual fling with a red 1971 MGBGT and a blue 1972 MGBGT. Both were cheap none running facebook marketplace specials but have pleasantly responded to tons of tlc and very little money guite well. These cars are so available and affordable. I think mostly because there were tons made and this new generation would rather own a Miata.

[@avagrego3195]

Wonderful video. My first car was an MGB and I loved it. I had a Miata for 25 yrs as my only car and I seriously regret selling it. If I ever have some extra money, I'll buy a MGB.

[@brexitmotoringgroup3758]

TED!! Great video! Love hearing Ted talk about these cars, even more fun to watch him work on them! Great video and we'll be over soon for another BBBQ

[@michfloridaman]

Got my 1st MGB this year, and I'm in total love. This is a great video, thanks for sharing. This fella is awesome and so is his car! The details under that engine bay are something as a mechanic I envy and hope to aspire to someday. 🤞

[@anthonyhfe6450]

I don't think it was the Zenith Stromberg that killed the engine, unless that particular Z-S had some issues. But I don't have as much knowledge on this subject as the gentlemen in the vid. I think it was really the shift from dual carbs to a single carb, regardless of brand. I have twin Z-S CD 1.75 on my TR7 and twin SU HIF44 on my MGB. Both brands needed a little TLC, but now both brands are functioning wonderfully. They all work under the same principles. I like the side draft carbs on my British cars. Some folks convert to a downdraft, but there really is no performance advantage, just easier to work with one carburetor instead of two.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I echo Ted's opinions on the MGB and will add that in a recent video of Hammond from the original Top Gear trio was asked" why do you own an MGB.".? His response: "Because they are just right" . I have owned 30 Brit cars since 1964, many MGs.. my favorite remains the MGB. I worked on many MGBs while employed by British Motors of Monterey (Calif) 1968-1972. I currently have a Red '63 B. and looking at Ted's car... I am inspired to make my "B" as humbly "conspicuous". An excellent video. Hats off to you both. Thanks from So Oregon

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Another observation: I believe Ted's car to be a relatively rare/scarce 1962. Theer were a total of 4518 of the 1962 model made. 3787 were left hand drive and only 651 were right hand drive. Clue... the dashboard nacelle surrounding the tach and speedo. Note the very fine line chrome strip on the inner perimeter of the nacelle. This was a 1962 only feature and discontinued at the end of the model year Oct of 1962. Second clue "62" sticker on the doors. (duh) I have personally seen only 5 of these 1962 models. 4 In Oregon in the last few years and one when I worked at British Motors of Monterey (Calif) 68-72. I am still looking for one for myself but happy to own my 1963. Again, excellent video and wish I lived in Colorado near Ted's shop.

[@Hammer0165]

Reliable got me delightfully triggered. My 1979 B (with Euro spec conversion with higher compression, cam and twin SU) is dead reliable. It’s on about 140k miles (230k km) and it starts in the button. She takes me everywhere I want to go all around Europe with 0 issues and only regular maintenance. Even the mileage is excellent. Just came back from a 2500 km road trip and my B was a blast. Just working perfectly and delivering more than excellent smiles per mile.

[@Ramblin_Rob]

Drove one of these back in the day, was cool but the thing that stood out when I got in it was the steering wheel was huge for a tiny car

[@barbaraannen3340]

I looked at the rubber bumper cars like most who lived through watching it happen but my 20 something son said he liked the looks of the rubber cars. It never occurred to me that they weren't ugly. Imagine they were a special version i.e. sebring etc. that were a limited and rare race car i.e. Plymouth Superbird. Suddenly, they are a little cooler looking.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

I generally HATE 70s rubber/big bumper cars, but I honestly think I prefer the rubber Bs.

[@davem8790]

Guys like this is the best part of the vintage British car scene. An older, laid back crowd that seem to be better socially adjusted and educated. You don't get as many of the chest pounding 'my pen*s is bigger than yours' boomers and dirt bags as you see in the typical domestic car clubs.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Davem8790....On behalf of myself and many of my MGB owning cohorts, thank you for this: "An older, laid back crowd that seem to be better socially adjusted and educated." (well maybe not laid back : ) in my case)

[@andrewmain8022]

Great fun video with really good advice. If you want an MGB that has been rebuilt with a new body shell look at California Classics Hull (CCHL) in the UK

[@FrankySilverFace]

A drive in this B would have been cool. This series is fun. Do as many British cars as possible. Thx for the content.

[@williamborland8485]

Excellent overview of the MGB!

[@allareasindex7984]

How I stopped my poly bushings from squeaking: 1. Drill a hole from the outside to the center. 2. Tap and install zerk grease fitting. 3. Pump in grease until it begins oozing out. 4. Wipe excess and drive.

[@robertherrmann4823]

In 1970 I drove my 66 MGB back to NJ from FL with 3 others crammed inside. Made a beeline to DC at top speed due to contorted passengers. Spring break shenanigans, but car held up better than occupants….at least until back in NJ. Fun car while it lasted.

[@Mrjulianmoore]

I took my old Triumph Spitfire mk 1V round Brands Hatch. Ok, maybe a bit too fast, but the independent rear suspension flipped the car round like a top!!

[@KingOFuh]

Bottom line is if you want to buy any Mini or MG, be mechanically inclined.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

The same could be said for basically any 20+ year old car.

[@TairnKA]

Coming out of the NAVY my oldest brother bought a new 1971 MGB, about a decade (plus) later, I bought a 1972 MGB. ;-) I miss it.

[@Buoyant_Thoughts]

This was a fantastic episode. Absolute gold!

[@redbike6340]

Stunning car. I was looking for a 70's Alfa spider but I recently got in a Sebring replica rally MGB roadster....I'm sold.

[@yissibiiyte]

"reliable" and "British" in the same sentence is the single most oxymoronic statement

[@richardellis69]

Not necessarily true my friend.

[@Blue-moon12]

@@richardellis69 Agree

[@williamegler8771]

@@richardellis69 REALLY? Is that why British vehicles are everywhere and top owner satisfaction and reliability surveys wherever they are sold? Is that why British vehicles have high resale value and high levels of owner retention? Is that why British manufacturers are churning out millions of vehicles and topping the best sellers lists worldwide?

[@upscaleshack]

This is such a tired and boring meme perpetuated by people who've never sat in a British car, let alone owned one. My Series 3 Land Rover is easily one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever owned.

[@Blue-moon12]

@@upscaleshack I have to agree with you there mate.

[@dayofthejackel]

Excellent, so articulate. Thank you both

[@markbradl8651]

Quickest car I have been in may have a been an MGB with a Chevy small block in it. It may have had the original low gear ratios.

[@moto_rad]

"Boost" is impertinent. Positive displacement superchargers add a fixed amount of CFM across the entire RPM range

[@Merlinemryys]

Had a '58 MGA coupe, then a '65 MGB . miss them both. My first 2 cars. Had a chance to buy a '46 TC but could not raise $600 the guy wanted.

[@MrBluoct]

Thanks for the video ! Clean B As much as that supercharger is next level, I would not have survived my 69B with a supercharger at 21 And a roll bar is preferred I transitioned from a first car / 65’ SS impala ragtop to a 69B Miss that 69’ more than 25 others cars/ trucks Many would not soon forget one if you spot a nice version running down the open road She would float along at 70-80 no problem A few master cylinders, but otherwise extremely reliable Every friend wanted to drive that B 2 of the “appropriate”passengers was incrementally an occurrence 😎 Late fall in the NE with the top down was perfect Tuck down and in and go The click - click of the shifter was just right Would have enjoyed that hard top and an the infamous overdrive unit Long live lead hammers 🤘 A few clean B’s in DC Prefer earlier lower, chrome bumper” B’s … period. A buddy had a bright green spitfire when I had my B -interesting lines and that noted suspension squat,but not in the same league --- A tacoma forum had many recipes for poly squeaks That front license tag takes away from that grill / front end worth a ticket to leave in the interior 🆘 Not a high heat summer bumper- to bumper traffic car 🆘

[@sabotup7442]

Yes, please cover the Spitfires, TR-6, and the MG-A!🙏

[@journeywithstu7199]

What is that rod (brace) coming off the upper radiator hose (thermostat?) housing? That’s not standard issue.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Smog pump removed, and a stabilizer made and fitted for the engine considering the torque with the super charger.

[@matthewH6763]

Any Rover 100s or 75s out there in US to review. I mean the 1960s / 70s models not the reincarnation of the 80s. Great solid car with bench seats.

[@Blue-moon12]

Great cars. Used as police cars back in the day

[@bookooc5605]

my 2nd car was a 70 MGB. Loved that car. But as with any British Leyland car, (including my later TR6), the Lucas electrics are horrible.

[@craigbolton5093]

The Stromberg isn't a carburetor. It's an "Emissions Compliant Fuel Metering Device"

[@grahamandrew9755]

This car is a very early model the pull handles and the chrome ring around the instrument cluster

[@gregswetka4219]

I love Spitfires! I has a ‘66 in high school and a ‘77 when I was in my late 20s. I had a ‘71 Opel GT in between…

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Another former Opel GT owner here.. great car.

[@stevegirkins1501]

Love Ted Ax - don't forget a 1969 Spitfire MK3 is pretty amazing too!!!! sharon :)

[@ErikB750]

Very nice and informative session, but it should have included a test drive, small tour.

[@Michael_Lorenson]

Excellent, thanks

[@johncipolletti5611]

I loved this car. I had a choice of getting one or going to college. I blew it and went to college!

[@plumbandsquare1]

I had one, sold it last year. Would be a great car with 150hp.

[@ScottAlanAnderson]

I had a 1967 MGB in high school. If I ever get a classic car, I've always thought it would be another 1960's MGB. This video is pushing me in that direction.

[@sabotup7442]

I bought a Pimento Red Triumph Spitfire brand new in 1977. I loved driving it, it looked beautiful, it was the biggest piece of junk I had owned to that point. Synchros went out in the trans twice, Exhaust manifold cracked early on, the master and slave for the clutch had to be rebuilt three times… I should have bought the MG-B. I love the tilt front end on the Triumph and the style of the car-mechanically, it was struggle. I would love to have an MG-A or B! 😎

[@jamesstanden3252]

Great video!! This dude knows what he’s on about

[@robt7199]

My 75 has been my daily driver for 13 years..... Before that I drove a 69 GT for 3 years.

[@LeeEngdahl]

I commuted a '78 MGB for 8 years with no problems.

[@KirbyAWDriver]

Lucas electric would like a word - Signed loyal MG owner

[@tricarbproductions8463]

Ted is great!...funny, articulate, quick!... oh wait, don't read this Ted I don't want you to get a big head. Oh, and I appreciate that you (Ted) didn't say anything bad about Austin-Healeys!

[@markcoopers1930]

I know he's a Brit car fan, but I am curious how this guy feels about old 124 coupes/spiders, and even the early 90's Miata.

[@richardellis69]

I'll ask him to comment here in response

[@brexitmotoringgroup3758]

the shop has recently started venturing in to the vintage italian cars, but not really anything newer than early 80s european. Might be worth a call to check to see if they'd check it out though!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I owned a 124 Sport Coupe, one of the earliest.. I miss that car.

[@sethlingenfelter]

I was seriously considering a spitfire, now not so sure lol. Great video!

[@gregamos8793]

This guy was a blast!

[@4pevans]

How about the MGC?

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I bought a 1969 MGC GT in 1970 while working for British Motors of Monterey (Calif) I miss that car.

[@tomhutcheson66]

Great video - Ted is a natural entertainer!

[@sdanen4]

No need for a supercharger..... Tune it , lighten it , drive it.

[@jesusabascalgomez1319]

Well , yes sure , and pay for it .

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

5:19 There’s no emissions tests in El Paso County.

[@nagaraworkshop]

Oh- about polybushes. They are often just the wrong size. Old rubber was a bit granular and were more squishy than the poly bushes. If you put the bushes in a lathe (or poor-mans lathe in electric drill) and turn a couple of thou of them so they fit with strong thumb pressure, they stop squeaking and are easier to fit.

[@Queensizemusic]

Do the next review on the TR6! The Spitfire is lovely to look at but it really was a failure by every metric possible.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

If you think the Spitfire was a failure... get a TR6 and enjoy some of the seriously whacked engineering possible. Industrial by third world standards is the best I can say for them.

[@netu3493]

Nice car

[@HawthornandClark]

Great video...well thought out and accurate.

[@Greebstreebling]

I had one in the eighties. Define 'reliable' :) :)

[@melvynwoodman5787]

Mechanical reliability is 90% and easy to fix for the other 10%. Body structure is 100% reliable. 100% guaranteed to dissolve if left outdoors.

[@michaellacroix8029]

I take offense to sabo comments on triumph spit, not my experience at all,

[@JPMergens]

Fun video! Thanks.

[@2_Wycked]

I'm normally a modern (80's-00's) car collector but I found a 68 MGB southern car that has been off the road since the early 90's. I picked it up and am inclined to pull & send the carbs off to someone knowledgeable like the guest on this video. Is there a way I could reach out to dude to see if he'd do it, costs, etc?

[@williamegler8771]

Reliable compared to other British marques or to contemporaries from other countries?

[@mcn2050]

Great guys, Great video, Thank you very much,.

[@rogerwilco4736]

Reckon a C is a more collectable classic

[@billwardlow6364]

Hi Ted. I have that same shirt.

[@peterpowder8546]

As for reliability, I will put my Bugeye sprite against an MGB any day

[@kellybrickey4300]

If I lived in Colorado...